MICRB265 Lecture Notes - Gram Staining, Atp-Binding Cassette Transporter, Lipid Bilayer
Document Summary
Structure and function of prokaryotes (chapters 2 and 4) This section provides a description of the prokaryotic cell beginning with general features of size, shape, and cellular organization. The 16s rrna tree of life shows evolutionary differences between bacteria, archaea, and eukarya, and the commonality between mitochondria, chloroplasts, and bacteria. The chemistry and function of prokaryotic membranes are covered including differences between cell walls of gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and archaea. The mechanism of the gram staining reaction is explained. The chapter concludes with a discussion of important structures unique to bacteria: flagella, inclusion bodies, slime layers, and endospores. Chapter outline: significance of prokaryotes to life on earth, bacteria cause the majority of diseases; no known archaeal pathogens. 80% of all food borne infections are caused by bacteria antibiotic therapy is primarily used to combat bacterial infections. Yet, the vast majority of bacteria on earth are not pathogenic at all!