Bacteria and Viruses Flashcards
Bacterium
Microscopic prokaryote
Endospore
Form of bacterium that has a thick internal wall around its chromosome and part of the cytoplasm.
Conjugation
Process in which two bacteria of the same species attach to each other and share genetic material
Fission
Cell division that forms two genetically identical cells.
Flagellum
Long whiplike structure that helps some bacteria move.
Antibody
Protein that can attach to a pathogen and make it useless.
Antibiotic
Medicine that stops the growth and reproduction of bacteria.
Bioremediation
Use of organisms to clean up environmental pollution.
Immunity
Ability of an organism to resist a virus or infection.
Decomposition
Breakdown of dead organisms and organic waste.
Nitrogen Fixation
Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into nitrogen compounds that living things can use.
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.
Mutation
Change in DNA or RNA
Vaccine
Mixture containing material from one or more deactivated pathogens.
Virus
Strand of DNA or RNA surrounded by a protein layer that can infect and replicate in a host cell.
