Bacteria and Viruses Flashcards
Bacterium
Microscopic prokaryote
Conjugation
Process in which two bacteria of the same species attach to each other and share genetic material
Endospore
Form of bacterium that has a thick internal around its chromosome and part of the cytoplasm
Fission
Cell division that forms two genetically identical cells
Flagellum
Long whiplike structure that helps some bacteria move
Antibiotic
Medicine that stops the growth and reproduction of bacteria
Bioremediation
Use of organisms to clean up environmental pollution
Nitrogen Fixation
Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into nitrogen compounds that living things can use
Decomposition
Breakdown of dead organisms and organic waste
Pasteurization
Process of heating food to a temperature that kills most harmful bacteria
Pathogen
Agent that causes disease
Resistance
Capacity of an organism to defend itself against disease
Antibody
Protein that can attach to a pathogen and make it useless
Immunity
Ability of an organism to resist a virus or infection
Mutation
Change in DNA or RNA