BIO153H5 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Peptidoglycan, Amoeba Proteus, Malaria
Document Summary
Prokaryotes, are microscopic, single-celled organism, differ from eukaryotes in that they do not have a membrane-bound nucleus. Instead of having chromosomal dna, their genetic material is arranged in a circular loop called a plasmid, and they reproduce asexually through a simple cell-splitting process called binary fission. Archaea live in extremely anaerobic environments and have been called extremophiles. Different archaeans have been classified as thermophiles (live in environments with temperatures of 60 100 c or more! ), halophiles (live in extremely salty conditions), acidophiles (live in acidic environments), and methanogens (methane producers). Eubacteria (commonly called bacteria) are the most abundant forms of life. They occur in soil, water, in our food, and in our bodies. They serve as decomposers, agents of fermentation, nutrient recyclers, and aid in our digestion. One way bacteria are classified is by their shape. Spirillum) diplo- means that the bacterial cells occur in pairs; strepto- means they form chains; staphylo- means the cells form bunches (like grapes).
