Vocabulary Showdown
Bacteria Basics
Virus Versus Host
Fungi & Protists
Applications & Thinking
100

What is the protein coat of a virus called?

Capsid

100

What is the main method bacteria use to reproduce?

Binary fission

100

Are viruses living or non-living?

Non-living

100

Are fungi prokaryotic or eukaryotic?

Eukaryotic

100

Why are archaea able to survive in extreme environments?

Specialized enzymes & membranes suited for extremes

200

What is the scientific naming system that uses two Latin names?

Binomial nomenclature

200

Name one of the three bacterial shapes.

Cocci, bacilli, spirilla

200

Name one reason viruses are not considered living.

Cannot reproduce on their own / lack cells / no metabolism

200

Name one example of a fungus.

Mold, yeast, mushroom

200

Give one way micro-organisms help humans.

Digestion, antibiotics, food production, decomposition

300

Define “prokaryote.”

Cell without a nucleus

300

Why does conjugation increase bacterial diversity?

It exchanges DNA between cells

300

What happens at the end of the lytic cycle?

Host cell bursts (lysis)

300

Name an example of a protist.

Amoeba, paramecium, algae

300

Explain why bacterial infections and viral infections require different treatments.

Bacteria are cells → antibiotics work; viruses aren’t living

400

What is the name of the bacteria DNA-sharing process?

Conjugation

400

Are bacteria prokaryotic or eukaryotic?

Prokaryotic

400

What is the major difference between the lytic and lysogenic cycles?

Lysogenic is dormant; lytic destroys cell immediately

400

How do fungi benefit ecosystems?

Decompose matter / nutrient cycling

400

Explain why not all micro-organisms are harmful.

Many are beneficial (decomposers, gut bacteria, etc.)

500

What is a decomposer?

Organism that breaks down dead matter

500

Draw a simple prokaryotic cell and include 3 correct labels.

Cell wall, cytoplasm, ribosomes, DNA, flagellum

500

Why don’t antibiotics work on viruses?

Viruses have no cell structures; antibiotics target bacteria

500

Protists are often described as “the leftovers.” What does this mean?

They are diverse eukaryotes not fitting other kingdoms

500

How do micro-organisms support food webs?

They recycle nutrients, decompose, form base of many food chains

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