Term | Definition |
prokaryotes | unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus |
bacilli | rod-shaped prokaryotes |
cocci | spherical prokaryotes |
spirilla | spiral and corkscrew-shaped prokaryotes |
chemoheterotrophs | heterotrophic prokaryotes that take in organic molecules for energy and a supply of carbon |
photoheterotrophs | These organisms use sunlight for energy, and take in organic compounds as a carbon source. |
photoautotrophs | use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water to carbon compounds and oxygen in a process similar to that used by plants |
chemoautotrophs | make organic carbon molecules from carbon dioxide |
obligate aerobes | organisms that require a constant supply of oxygen in order to live |
obligate anaerobes | only live in the absence of oxygen |
facultative anaerobes | survive with or without oxygen |
binary fission | an asexual form of reproduction |
conjugation | a process by which bacteria exchange genetic information |
endospore | a type of spore |
nitrogen fixation | the process of converting nitrogen gas into a form plants can use |
viruses | particles of nucleic acid, protein, and in some cases, lipids |
capsid | a virus's protein coat |
bacteriophages | viruses that infect bacteria |
lytic infection | the process of a host cell being lysed and destroyed |
lysogenic infections | when a host cell makes copies of the virus indefinitely |
prophage | viral DNA that is embedded in the host's DNA |
retroviruses | viruses that contain RNA as their genetic information |
pathogens | disease-causing agents |
vaccine | a preparation of weakened or killed pathogens |
antibiotics | compounds that block the growth and reproduction of bacteria |
viroids | single-stranded RNA molecules that have no surrounding capsids. |
prions | protein infectious particles |
nitrogen fixation | process of converting nitrogen gas into a form plants can use |