Binary fission
main method of asexual reproduction for bacteria; DNA replicates and cell divides, producing 2 identical daughter cells
Conjugation
method of sexual reproduction; DNA (genes) is exchanged between bacteria cells using the pili; increases diversity
Transformation
method of sexual reproduction; bacteria cells pick up DNA from dead bacteria cells
Transduction
method of sexual reproduction; uses viruses to transfer DNA between bacteria cells
obligate aerobe
needs oxygen to live (Tuberculosis)
obligate anaerobe
killed by oxygen (Clostridium tetani in deep wounds)
facultative anaerobe
can use oxygen if it's available, but it's not necessary (E. coli)
endospore
structure formed when bacteria transforms into a dormant state, where it forms a thick wall; can survive heat, drought, radiation
prokaryote
(bacteria) unicellular; no nucleus or membrane-bound organelles
eukaryote
unicellular or multicellular; true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (yeast, plants, animals)
archaebacteria
Kingdom Monera; ancient bacteria, live in harsh environments like salty lakes, intestines of mammals, sulphur springs
eubacteria
Kingdom Monera; "true" bacteria; some cause disease
heterotroph
organisms that cannot produce their own food (humans)
autotroph
organisms that produce their own food (plants)
saprophyte
(decomposers) obtain energy by breaking down organic waste/dead organisms
capsule
sticky, gelatinous capsule around the cell wall (more likely to cause disease)
pilus
hair-like structures emerging from the cell surface; helps bacteria stick to each other and exchange DNA
plasmid
a small circular chromosome containing a few genes
flagellum
long, whiplike protrusions that enable bacteria to move
Alexander Flemming
discovered penicillin (the first antibiotic used in humans)
Gram-positive
turns purple; cell wall contains proteins and sugars
Gram-negative
turns pink/red; has an extra layer of lipid outside of the cell wall; requires different antibiotics to treat infection
spheres
-coccus
rods
-bacillus
spirals
-spirillum
pairs
diplo_
chains
strepto_
clusters
staphylo_
cube
sarcina_
clostridium botulinum
obligate anaerobe bacteria that forms endospores and can cause botulism
cyanobacteria
photosynthetic autotrophs; contain chlorophyll (Anabaena)