Exam 4 Flashcards
(175 cards)
What do scientists believe was the original genetic material able to copy itself without assistance?
RNA
The main hypothesis about the origin about of the first living organisms is called______
biogenesis
What does the term biogenesis mean?
Formation of life from nonliving chemicals
What are the main steps of biogenesis, in the correct order?
Monomers, polymers, self-replicating molecules, first cells
Binary fission produces ______
two genetically identical bacterial cells
Bacteria that have a spherical shape are called _______
coccus
By what means do prokaryotes typically divide?
Binary fission
Which protective structure forms to protect certain bacteria during periods of harsh conditions?
Endospore
If you look at unknown cells under a microscope, what could lead you to correctly conclude that they are prokaryotic cells?
They lack a nucleus
Prokaryotic organisms are present in how many domains?
Two
Which organisms contain the smallest, least complex cell types?
Bacteria
What do the following groups of organisms have in common: methanogens (methane-producing organisms), halophiles (salt-loving organisms), and the thermophiles (heat-loving organisms)?
They are all archaea
Where would you expect to find methanogens?
In the digestive tract of cows
Halophiles are a type of ______
Archaea
Where fo you expect to find thermophiles?
In hot environments
Which organisms are called extremophiles and flourish mostly in extreme conditions?
Archaea
Which one of the following soil-borne organisms can convert atmospheric nitrogen gas into ammonium and other nitrogen compounds that can be taken up and used by plants?
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria
The practice of using bacteria to remove pollutants from the environment is called _____
Bioremediation
Food poisoning is often caused by a bacterium called ______
Salmonella
Which was first on the planet, prokaryotes or eukaryotes?
Prokaryotes
Which statement is true regarding bacteria?
Some bacteria are pathogens and harmful to humans, whereas lots of bacteria are helpful to humans.
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2 gas) into ammonium (NH4). Why is this conversion important for life on Earth?
Ammonium is a very important plant nutrient
Which of the following is a way in which bacteria help the environment?
All of the above ways in which bacteria help the environment
Pathogen is ______
A name given only to bacteria that cause serious illness in humans