Archaea and Bacteria Quiz: Exploring the Prokaryotic Domains

Prokaryotes are simple organisms that lack a true nucleus or any other organelle surrounded by a membrane, distinguishing them from eukaryotes. The correct answer highlights this key characteristic of prokaryotic cells.

Eukaryotes are organisms that have a true nucleus and various organelles enclosed by membranes, distinguishing them from prokaryotic organisms. The incorrect answers incorrectly describe characteristics of other types of organisms.

Archaean organisms belong to the domain Archaea, which is distinct from the domains Bacteria, Eukarya, and Protista.

True bacteria, also known as Eubacteria, belong to the Domain Bacteria, which is one of the three domains of life. Domain Archaea is another domain of prokaryotic microorganisms, Domain Eukarya includes all eukaryotic organisms, and Domain Protista is an outdated kingdom that has been replaced by more specific domains and kingdoms.

Coccus is a spherical or round shape, commonly seen in bacteria.

Bacillus bacteria are rod-shaped, cylindrical bacteria that are commonly found in soil and water. They are characterized by their elongated shape and are known for their ability to produce endospores.

Spirillum bacteria are spiral-shaped and have a helical, corkscrew or curved rod shape, hence the name 'spirillum'.

When bacteria cluster in pairs, the specific biological term used is diplo-. This term is used to describe the arrangement of bacterial cells when they form pairs or clusters of two.

The correct term for the grouping of these bacteria together is staphylospecifically staphylococcus.

Biofilm refers to a community of bacteria that adhere to a surface and secrete a slimy, adhesive substance that acts as a protective layer.

Cyanobacteria are a subgroup of organisms that can photosynthesize like plants and belong to Domain Bacteria. Archaea belong to Domain Archaea which typically includes extremophiles. Protists and Fungi are both part of Domain Eukarya, but they do not photosynthesize in the same manner as Cyanobacteria.

Anabaena is a genus of filamentous cyanobacteria known for its ability to fix nitrogen. Heterocysts, specialized cells for nitrogen fixation, can be found in these filaments. Spores are typically formed at the terminus of the filaments in some species of Anabaena.

Fragmentation specifically refers to the splitting of a colony of cells into smaller pieces, each having the potential to develop into a new colony.

The correct answer refers to a specific biological term related to blue-green algae.

Antibiotics are specifically designed to target and kill bacteria or inhibit their growth, making them ineffective against viruses. They work by interfering with essential processes in bacterial cells.

Natural antibiotics are substances found in nature that have antimicrobial properties. Examples include Penicillin, which is derived from a type of mold, making it a natural antibiotic.

Synthetic antibiotics refer to substances that are artificially created in a laboratory setting to combat bacterial infections. Unlike natural remedies, homeopathic remedies, or herbal supplements, synthetic antibiotics are specifically designed and manufactured to target and eliminate harmful bacteria.

Semi-synthetic antibiotics are created by chemically modifying natural antibiotics to improve their effectiveness or overcome bacterial resistance. They are not entirely synthetic nor extracted directly from natural sources without modification. Additionally, antibiotics do not work against viral infections.