6.2 Cause of death Flashcards
What is tuberculosis?
A contagious disease principally affecting the lungs, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
What is HIV?
The human retrovirus that infects T helper cells and so disables the immune system, leading to AIDS.
What is AIDS?
The result of the infection by HIV, where the immuno-compromised person is susceptible to opportunistic infections.
What is peptidoglycan?
A polysaccharide, cross linked by peptide chains, and the major constituent of the bacterial cell wall.
What are gram positive bacteria?
These bacteria have walls that are thickened with additional polysaccharides and proteins.
What are gram negative bacteria?
These bacteria have thin walls, but also a surface layer of lipids for protection.
What are pili?
Protein tubes that allow bacterial attachment to surfaces and cells.
What is mesosome?
Infolding of the bacterial cell surface membrane and the site of respiration.
What is a capsule?
Mucus layer surrounding the cell wall of the bacteria, providing protection and preventing dehydration.
What is a host?
Organism supporting a parasite, in or on its body to its own detriment.
What is lysis?
Destruction of cells through damage of the plasma membrane.
What does icosahedral mean?
Describes a spherical virus.
What is tobacco mosaic?
First virus discovered. Rod shaped virus.
What is a bacteriophage?
A virus that infects bacteria.
What is a pathogen?
A disease causing parasite, usually a microorganism.
