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Eukaryotic Cell Structure and Microbial Taxonomy Micro L 2

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Terms in this set (29)

  • What is taxonomy?

    Taxonomy is the science of classifying organisms based on shared, inherited characteristics into hierarchical groups called taxa.

  • What is binomial nomenclature?

    A system of naming species using two names: Genus (capitalized) and species (lowercase), both italicized, developed by Linnaeus.

  • Name the three domains of life in the modern phylogenetic tree.

    Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

  • What are the seven major groups of microorganisms?

    Bacteria, Archaea, Fungi, Protozoa, Algae, Small multicellular animals, and Viruses (acellular).

  • What are the three basic components all cells must have?

    1. Cell (plasma) membrane, 2. Genome (DNA), 3. Metabolic machinery for energy and synthesis.

  • What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

    Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; eukaryotes have a true nucleus and many organelles.

  • List major differences in size and DNA organization between prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

    Prokaryotes: 1-10 μm, circular DNA in nucleoid. Eukaryotes: 10-100 μm, linear chromosomes in nucleus.

  • What is the function of the nucleus in eukaryotic cells?

    Contains the cell's DNA genome, site of mRNA transcription, and ribosome assembly in the nucleolus.

  • Where are eukaryotic ribosomes found and what is their function?

    Found free in cytosol or on rough ER; they catalyze protein synthesis (translation).

  • Describe the central dogma of molecular biology in eukaryotes.

    DNA is transcribed to mRNA, which is translated by ribosomes into protein.

  • What are the two types of endoplasmic reticulum and their functions?

    Rough ER: protein synthesis (has ribosomes). Smooth ER: lipid and membrane synthesis.

  • What is the role of the Golgi apparatus?

    Modifies proteins from rough ER, packages them into vesicles for secretion or delivery, and produces lysosomes and peroxisomes.

  • Name the types of vesicles in eukaryotic cells and their functions.

    Vacuoles (water storage), transport vesicles (move substances), secretory vesicles (exocytosis), lysosomes (digestive enzymes), peroxisomes (antioxidant enzymes).

  • What are the main functions of the eukaryotic cytoskeleton?

    Maintains cell shape, enables movement, and assists in DNA segregation during cell division.

  • What is the centrosome and its role?

    Composed of two centrioles; organizes microtubules and chromosomes during mitosis and meiosis.

  • Describe the structure and function of mitochondria.

    Double-membraned organelle; site of energy production via catabolic metabolism and ATP synthesis through the electron transport chain.

  • What unique lipids are found in eukaryotic cell membranes?

    Sterol alcohols such as cholesterol, which help maintain membrane fluidity.

  • What is endocytosis and how do eukaryotic cells use it?

    Process of engulfing particles or fluids by the cell membrane; includes phagocytosis ('cell eating').

  • What polysaccharides compose eukaryotic cell walls?

    Cellulose in plants, chitin in fungi, and various polysaccharides in algae.

  • How do eukaryotic flagella differ from prokaryotic flagella?

    Composed of microtubules (tubulin), they undulate back and forth rather than rotate.

  • What are cilia and pseudopods used for in eukaryotic cells?

    Cilia move fluid or objects across the cell surface; pseudopods extend to grasp surfaces and aid in movement and phagocytosis.

  • What defines protozoans?

    Eukaryotic, unicellular, no cell wall, motile by cilia, flagella, or pseudopods, mostly chemoheterotrophic, and require moist environments.

  • What is the apical complex in apicomplexan protozoans?

    A structure that allows these parasites to penetrate host cells; includes Plasmodium and Toxoplasma.

  • What causes 'red tides' and what is their significance?

    Blooms of dinoflagellates, some of which produce neurotoxins harmful to marine life and humans.

  • What are the characteristics of fungi?

    Chemoheterotrophic, absorptive nutrition, cell walls of chitin, unicellular or multicellular, mostly aerobic, important decomposers, and producers of antibiotics.

  • What are hyphae in fungi?

    Filamentous chains of fungal cells forming the mycelium and fruiting bodies; can be septate or aseptate.

  • What ecological roles do fungi play?

    Decomposers recycling nutrients and symbionts supplying plants with water and minerals via mycorrhizae.

  • Name some industrial and medical uses of fungi.

    Production of edible mushrooms, blue cheeses, alcohol fermentation, antibiotics like penicillin, and yeast in molecular biology.

  • What are some major fungal plant diseases?

    Diseases like Dutch elm disease, rusts, smuts, and ergots that cause significant crop losses.