Bio 102 Exam 2 Study Guide
Term / Concept Definition
Domain (1) A taxonomic category above the kingdom level. The three domains are Archaea, Bacteria,
and Eukarya. (2) A discrete structural and functional region of a protein.
Kingdom A taxonomic category, the second broadest after domain.
Phylum (phyla) (plural, phyla) In Linnaean classification, the taxonomic category above class.
Class In Linnaean classification, the taxonomic category above the level of order.
Order In Linnaean classification, the taxonomic category above the level of family.
Family In Linnaean classification, the taxonomic category above genus.
Genus (genera) (plural, genera) A taxonomic category above the species level, designated by the first word of a
species' two-part scientific name.
Species A population or group of populations whose members have the potential to interbreed in nature
and produce viable, fertile offspring but do not produce viable, fertile offspring with members
of other such groups.
Scientific names pertains to the binomial name given to a particular species. It is based on the system of
binomial nomenclature used by a taxonomist when naming an organism at the species level. It
is comprised of two parts: (1) the generic name or the genus name and (2) the species name or
the specific epithet.
Unicellular are organisms consisting of one cell only that performs all vital functions including metabolism,
excretion, and reproduction. Unicellular organisms can either be prokaryotes or eukaryotes.
Multicellular are composed of more than one cell, with groups of cells differentiating to take on specialized
functions.
Colonial organism are more than just a group existing together. They experience advantages from the communal
living. They are called colonies because each member of the colony has the capabilities of
living and surviving independently on its own but takes advantage of the colony situation.
Endosymbiosis theory The theory that mitochondria and plastids originated as prokaryotic cells engulfed by a host
cell. The engulfed cell and its host cell then evolved into a single organism.
Dichotomous key is a method of identification whereby groups of organisms are divided into two categories
repeatedly. With each sequential division, more information is revealed about the specific
features of a particular organism.
Archaea One of two prokaryotic domains, the other being Bacteria.
, Bacteria One of two prokaryotic domains, the other being Archaea.
Eukarya The domain that includes all eukaryotic organisms.
Systematics A scientific discipline focused on classifying organisms and determining their evolutionary
relationships.
Taxonomy A scientific discipline concerned with naming and classifying the diverse forms of life.
Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes
Similarities
o Have DNA
o Have ribosomes
o Have cytoplasm
o Have plasma membrane
Differences
o Prokaryotes
Oldest cell type
Small & simple
Lack nucleus
Lack membrane-enclosed organelles
Single-celled
o Eukaryotes
Evolved from prokaryotes
Larger and more complex
Contain nucleus
Contain membrane-enclosed organelles
Ex. Mitochondria, chloroplasts, plastids, E.R., G.A., & nucleus
Single-celled or multicellular
Term / Concept Definition
Domain (1) A taxonomic category above the kingdom level. The three domains are Archaea, Bacteria,
and Eukarya. (2) A discrete structural and functional region of a protein.
Kingdom A taxonomic category, the second broadest after domain.
Phylum (phyla) (plural, phyla) In Linnaean classification, the taxonomic category above class.
Class In Linnaean classification, the taxonomic category above the level of order.
Order In Linnaean classification, the taxonomic category above the level of family.
Family In Linnaean classification, the taxonomic category above genus.
Genus (genera) (plural, genera) A taxonomic category above the species level, designated by the first word of a
species' two-part scientific name.
Species A population or group of populations whose members have the potential to interbreed in nature
and produce viable, fertile offspring but do not produce viable, fertile offspring with members
of other such groups.
Scientific names pertains to the binomial name given to a particular species. It is based on the system of
binomial nomenclature used by a taxonomist when naming an organism at the species level. It
is comprised of two parts: (1) the generic name or the genus name and (2) the species name or
the specific epithet.
Unicellular are organisms consisting of one cell only that performs all vital functions including metabolism,
excretion, and reproduction. Unicellular organisms can either be prokaryotes or eukaryotes.
Multicellular are composed of more than one cell, with groups of cells differentiating to take on specialized
functions.
Colonial organism are more than just a group existing together. They experience advantages from the communal
living. They are called colonies because each member of the colony has the capabilities of
living and surviving independently on its own but takes advantage of the colony situation.
Endosymbiosis theory The theory that mitochondria and plastids originated as prokaryotic cells engulfed by a host
cell. The engulfed cell and its host cell then evolved into a single organism.
Dichotomous key is a method of identification whereby groups of organisms are divided into two categories
repeatedly. With each sequential division, more information is revealed about the specific
features of a particular organism.
Archaea One of two prokaryotic domains, the other being Bacteria.
, Bacteria One of two prokaryotic domains, the other being Archaea.
Eukarya The domain that includes all eukaryotic organisms.
Systematics A scientific discipline focused on classifying organisms and determining their evolutionary
relationships.
Taxonomy A scientific discipline concerned with naming and classifying the diverse forms of life.
Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes
Similarities
o Have DNA
o Have ribosomes
o Have cytoplasm
o Have plasma membrane
Differences
o Prokaryotes
Oldest cell type
Small & simple
Lack nucleus
Lack membrane-enclosed organelles
Single-celled
o Eukaryotes
Evolved from prokaryotes
Larger and more complex
Contain nucleus
Contain membrane-enclosed organelles
Ex. Mitochondria, chloroplasts, plastids, E.R., G.A., & nucleus
Single-celled or multicellular
