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From Proks to Plants

Introduction on Unit Two

 



In this unit we are exploring Bacteria, Protists, Fungi, and Viruses. Summaries shown below focuses on the main points of each concept.

Bacteria
       Bacteria are single-celled organisms that were discovered by Leeuwenhoek. The bacterial cells are surrounded by rigid walls, that also contain a flagellum (for movement). Bacteria can also be heterotroph, and it reproduce through binary fission. Example tooth decay Lyme disease.

 

Viruses
      Viruses aren’t cells, they are DNA encased in protein. They are not alive, yet are capable of replication. Some have said that viruses represent the first forms of life, but this is unlikely, since they are basically parasites. Viruses Replication has two stages

 

  • lytic stage - genetic information is injected into cell

cell machinery is used to create more viruses. Viruses are then released by lysis (cell breakage)

  • lysogenic stage (temperate) - genetic information is injected into cell

DNA is incorporated into chromosomes. Numerous replications occur

cell will enter lytic stage after latent period. 

 

Fungi
       Fungi is kind of like bacteria that grows in all types of places, which resembles mushrooms. Fungi is made of individual filaments, called hyphae. Masses of hyphae combine to form the mycelium. This is the body of the fungus. Fungis are also Hetrotroph and cell wall is made up of chitin. 


Protists
     Protists are sometimes heterotrophs, but sometimes they are autotrophs. There are many different types of protists. Plant like protists (diatoms), Animal like protists (zooplanktons), fungi like protists (brown algae). Protists can be very diverse, this is why scientists think they should be in different kingdoms.




Cool Video
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