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Chapter 20
Prokaryotes:
How the Other Half Lives
THEMES AND OBJECTIVES
The following is a list of the main themes covered in this chapter and some study objectives. As
you study, focus on these areas. Understand how the information you study fits into these themes
and how these themes relate to each other. Be sure you master each objective before moving on.
1.
Prokaryotes are the oldest, most diverse, and most numerous of all organisms.
 Discuss the universal presence of bacteria and various ways in which they impact the
existence and survival of other organisms, including us.
2.
Prokaryotes can cause a wide variety of illnesses.
 Explain Koch's postulates.
 Discuss various illnesses caused by specific types of bacteria.
 Thoroughly discuss the role of antibiotics in fighting bacterial infections and how
bacteria counter this through resistance.
3.
Prokaryotes have unique characteristics that set them apart from other organisms.
 Describe the structural components of prokaryotes.
 Discuss how prokaryotes reproduce and exchange genetic material.
 Discuss general behaviors of prokaryotes.
 Review the metabolic diversity found in prokaryotes.
4.
Biologists classify prokaryotes according to how they get their energy and building blocks
(metabolism) and according to DNA and protein sequences.
 Discuss differences between autotrophs and heterotrophs.
 Differentiate between aerobes and anaerobes.
5. Prokaryotes are classified into two large domains: Archaea and Eubacteria.
 Differentiate between these two domains.
 Review the main phyla within each of these domains.