Marine Microbes Part 1

Front

What are the shapes of bacterial cells?

Back

Bacterial cells can be spherical (cocci), rod-shaped (bacilli), or spiral (spirilla).

Front

What is the primary difference between bacteria and archaea?

Back

Archaea can tolerate extreme environments, such as high temperatures, salinity, and acidity, whereas bacteria cannot.

Front

What roles do microbes play in ecosystems?

Back

Microbes play various roles including decomposition, nutrient cycling, and serving as a food source for other organisms.

Front

What are the three main types of marine microbes?

Back

The three main types of marine microbes are bacteria, archaea, and protists.

Front

What percentage of the weight of all living organisms in the ocean is made up of microbes?

Back

Microbes make up approximately 90% of the weight of all living organisms in the ocean.

Front

What is the significance of microbial diversity in marine ecosystems?

Back

Microbial diversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience, nutrient cycling, and overall health of marine environments.

Front

How do bacteria reproduce?

Back

Bacteria primarily reproduce asexually through a process called binary fission.

Front

What are protists and their role in marine environments?

Back

Protists are a diverse group of eukaryotic microorganisms that can be autotrophic or heterotrophic, playing key roles in food webs.

Front

What is the importance of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in marine ecosystems?

Back

Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by living organisms, supporting primary production.

Front

How do archaea differ from bacteria in terms of cell structure?

Back

Archaea have unique cell membrane lipids and cell wall compositions that differ from those of bacteria.