Prokaryotes: an overview with respect to biodiversity and environmental importance
A short overview of the biodiversity of prokaryotes (the domains bacteria and archaea) is given, with respect to morpholoy, physiology, and biochemistry. The importance of prokaryotes in food chains, nutrient and biogeochemical cycles, and for the maintenance of a balanced atmosphere is explained and stressed. The involvement of prokaryotes in symbiotic mutualisms and in pathogenicity is discussed.