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Prokaryotes in the Environment definitions

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  • Nitrogen Cycle
    A global process where atmospheric N2 is converted into usable nitrogen forms, primarily driven by prokaryotes.
  • Nitrogen Fixation
    A process performed by certain prokaryotes to convert atmospheric N2 into ammonium, essential for plant and animal nutrition.
  • Carbon Cycle
    A biosphere-wide flow of carbon, with prokaryotes acting as decomposers to recycle organic matter.
  • Decomposer
    An organism, often a prokaryote, that breaks down organic material, facilitating nutrient cycling.
  • Cyanobacteria
    Photosynthetic bacteria responsible for producing much of Earth's atmospheric oxygen in ancient times.
  • Microbiome
    The community of microbes living on and within the human body, influencing health and physiology.
  • Normal Flora
    Microbial populations consistently present on or in the human body, often providing beneficial effects.
  • Resident Microbiota
    Microbes that inhabit the host for extended periods, forming stable, long-term communities.
  • Transient Microbiota
    Microbes present on the host temporarily, often for short durations before leaving or being removed.
  • Pathogen
    A microorganism capable of causing disease, often through toxin production or tissue invasion.
  • Toxin
    A biological poison produced by pathogens, damaging host tissues and aiding infection.
  • Exotoxin
    A soluble protein released by pathogens during infection or lysis, with diverse structures and functions.
  • Endotoxin
    A lipopolysaccharide component of gram-negative bacterial outer membranes, triggering host immune responses.
  • Virulence
    The degree to which an organism can cause disease, reflecting its pathogenic potential.
  • Virulence Factor
    A specific trait, such as a gene for toxin production, that enhances an organism's ability to cause disease.