Lecture 2: Prokaryotes, Archaea and Bacteria Flashcards
Define taxonomy
the branch of science concerned with classification, especially of organisms; systematics.
Define taxon
is a group of one or more populations of an organism or organisms seen by taxonomists to form a unit.
Define phylogeny
The history of the evolution of a species or group, especially in reference to lines of descent and relationships among broad groups of organisms
What are the advantages of the three domain system?
3 domain system differentiates better not only in the case of eubacteria and archae but also significantly subdivides protista. Also the 3 domain system is based on differences between rRNA gene as given by Woese et al.
Oxidoreductase
oxidation-reduction reactions
Transferase
Transfers functional groups
Hydrolase
Hydrolysis
Lyase
Removal of atoms without hydrolysis
Hydrolase
Hydrolysis
Isomerase
Rearrangement of atoms
Ligase
Joining of molecules; uses ATP
Rybozymes
RNA that cuts and splices RNA
What are the main factors influencing enzyme activity?
- Temperature
- pH
- Substrate concentration
- Inhibitors
How does temperature impact enzyme activity?
Temperatures that are too high can denature proteins.
How does pH impact enzyme activity?
- Most bacteria grow between pH 6.5 and 7.5
- Molds and yeasts grow between pH 5 and 6
- Acidophiles grow in acidic environments
What are the physical requirements of growth for bacteria?
- Temperature
- pH
- Osmotic pressure
What are the chemical requirements of growth for bacteria?
- Carbon
- Nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorous
- Trace elements
- Oxygen
- Organic growth factor
What are the minimum, optimum and maximum growth temperatures for psychrotrophs?
Minimum - 0 degrees C
Optimal - 15 degrees C
Maximum - 20 degrees C
Why is carbon a chemical requirement?
- Structural organic molecules, energy source
- Chemoheterotrophs use organic carbon sources
- Autotrophs use CO2
Why is nitrogen a chemical requirement?
- Found in amino acids and proteins
- Most bacteria decompose proteins
- Some bacteria use nitrate or ammonium
- A few bacteria use N2 nitrogen gas in nitrogen fixation
Why is sulfur a chemical requirement?
- In amino acids, thiamine and biotin
- Most bacteria decompose proteins
- Some bacteria use hydrogen sulfide and sulfate
Why is phosphorus a chemical requirement?
- Found in DNA, RNA, ATP and membranes
- Phosphate is a source of phosphorus
Why are trace elements important in growth?
- Inorganic elements are required in small amounts usually as enzyme cofactors
What are organic growth factors?
- Organic compounds obtained from the environment
- Vitamins, amino acids, purines and pyramidines