Prokaryotes are classified into two domains: Bacteria and Archaea. Bacteria are identified by their shape, cell wall composition, motility, and how they obtain and use energy. They reproduce asexually through binary fission. Genes can also be transferred between bacteria through conjugation, increasing genetic diversity. Prokaryotes play crucial roles in ecosystems through nutrient cycling and symbiotic relationships, but some can also harm humans.
2. Core Concepts
Prokaryotes are classified into two
domains/kingdoms: Bacteria and Archaea
Presence of peptidogycan in bacteria
Some archaea have pseudopeptidoglycan
Diverse cell wall, some made up of proteins called S layer
3. Bacteria are identified by their shapes, the chemical
natures of their cell walls, the ways they move and
the ways they obtain and use energy
Bacteria reproduce asexually by binary fission.
Through the process of conjugation, genes can move
from one cell to another, thus increasing genetic
diversity within bacterial populations
4. Prokaryotes play a crucial role in the biosphere, such
as taking part in nutrient cycles and in symbiotic
relationships. Also, they have both harmful and
beneficial impacts on humans
6. Some things to remember
Basis for split- presence/absence of peptidoglycan,
genetic differences
Eubacteria and archaebacteria are misleading
Archaeans are more closely related to eukaryotes
than to bacteria
Use of domain scheme suggests that the split
between bacteria and archaea are more ancient than
the split between prokaryotes and eukaryotes
13. Growth and reproduction
Binary fission- no new combination of genes
Conjugation- increases genetic diversity
Endospore-formation- enebles survival in harsh
conditions
Control of bacterial growth
Sterilization vs disinfection
refrigeration
14.
15. Ecology of bacteria
Some bacteria take part in the recycling of elements
Some bacteria form symbiotic relationships with
other organisms
Some bacteria are pathogens
Some bacteria play important roles in research and
technology