Questions: 10. Explain the difference between eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Give examples of each. 11. How do we scientifically name microorganisms? What are the rules for binomial nomenclature?

Sure, let's address the questions one by one.

The answer:

Eukaryotes and prokaryotes are two fundamental categories of cells that differ in several key aspects:

Eukaryotes:

• Nucleus: Eukaryotic cells have a well-defined nucleus enclosed by a nuclear membrane.
• Organelles: They contain membrane-bound organelles such as mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, and lysosomes.
• Size: Eukaryotic cells are generally larger (10-100 micrometers) compared to prokaryotic cells.
• Complexity: Eukaryotes are more complex and can be unicellular or multicellular.
• Examples: Examples of eukaryotes include animals (e.g., humans), plants (e.g., oak trees), fungi (e.g., yeast), and protists (e.g., amoeba).

Prokaryotes:

• Nucleus: Prokaryotic cells lack a true nucleus; their genetic material is not enclosed in a nuclear membrane but is instead located in a nucleoid region.
• Organelles: They do not have membrane-bound organelles. However, they may have ribosomes, which are not membrane-bound.
• Size: Prokaryotic cells are generally smaller (0.1-5 micrometers) compared to eukaryotic cells.
• Complexity: Prokaryotes are simpler and are always unicellular.
• Examples: Examples of prokaryotes include bacteria (e.g., Escherichia coli) and archaea (e.g., Halobacterium).

The answer:

Microorganisms, like all living organisms, are named using the binomial nomenclature system, which was developed by Carl Linnaeus. This system provides a standardized way to name species, ensuring that each has a unique and universally accepted name.

Rules for Binomial Nomenclature:

1. Two-Part Name: Each organism is given a two-part Latin name. The first part is the genus name, and the second part is the species name.
2. Italicization: Both parts of the name are italicized when typed and underlined when handwritten.
3. Capitalization: The genus name is always capitalized, while the species name is not. For example, _Escherichia coli_.
4. Uniqueness: The combination of the genus and species names must be unique to each species.
5. Abbreviation: After the full name has been mentioned once, the genus name can be abbreviated to its initial letter in subsequent mentions. For example, _E. coli_ after the first mention of _Escherichia coli_.
6. Authority: Sometimes, the name is followed by the name of the person who first described the species, often in abbreviated form. For example, _Homo sapiens_ Linnaeus.

Examples:

• _Escherichia coli_ (a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and other animals)
• _Saccharomyces cerevisiae_ (a species of yeast used in baking and brewing)

In summary, eukaryotes and prokaryotes differ in cellular structure and complexity, with examples including humans and bacteria, respectively. Microorganisms are named using the binomial nomenclature system, which involves a two-part Latin name that is italicized, with specific rules for capitalization and abbreviation.