Microbial Cell Structure, Diversity and Classification

What this page covers

The resources here follow the unit from the inside of a cell outwards, then up to the big picture of how microbes are sorted. Many mind maps and flashcard decks deal with the internal structures of prokaryotes: plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nuclear area, endospores and ribosomes. Others focus on the cell wall, including peptidoglycan and what archaea have instead.

Where to start

Begin with a map to see the whole layout. Intracellular Structures of Prokaryotes is a clear first stop for the parts of the cell. Then open The Cell Wall or the flashcard deck Bacterial Cell Wall to fix the details of peptidoglycan and its sugar backbones.

Next, move to classification. The mind map Microbiology: Systematic Bacteriology explains that microorganisms are sorted by appearance and structure, growth requirements, enzyme and metabolic tests, and molecular tests. Techniques for classification adds to this.

Diversity beyond bacteria

Once the basics feel familiar, look at the wider range of microbes:

• The Protists Mind Map covers algae, which are photosynthetic, live in fresh and marine water and are a main component of plankton.
• The Archaea flashcard decks and the quiz Archaeal DIversity cover the archaeal side.
• Two maps on eukaryotic microorganisms widen the view further.

Using quizzes and maps together

1. Read a mind map and try to explain each branch aloud.
2. Take a quiz such as Bacteria Taxonomy, which asks you to describe groups like Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes and Spirochetes.
3. Note what you missed, then return to the map or a flashcard deck on that point.
4. Try Module 2: Classification of Bacteria Quiz for fill-in-the-blank practice on bacterial groups and growth conditions.

Gram-positive and Gram-negative cell envelopes also have their own flowcharts, which pair well with the flashcards.

Where it sits

This unit belongs to the Microbial Cell Biology strand of Microbiology and immunology. Choose one map, try one quiz, and build your own set of cards from whatever you find hard.