Bacteria and viruses Flashcards
Bacterium
A microscopic prokaryote
Conjugation
A process in which two bacteria of the same species attach to each other and share genetic material.
Endospore
A form of bacterium that has a thick internal wall around its chromosome and part of the cytoplasm.
Fission
A 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
a use of organisms to clean up environmental pollution
decomposition
breakdown of dead organisms and organic waste
nitrogen fixation
conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into nitrogen compounds that living things can use
pasteurization
a process of heating food at a temperature that kills most harmful bacteria
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 an virus or infection
mutation
change in DNA or RNA
Vaccine
Mixture containing material from one or more deactivated pathogens