Chapter 4 Terminology

Question 1

Microbiology

Answer 1

The study of microorganisms. The scientific study of the nature, life and action of microorganisms.

Question 2

Contamination

Answer 2

The state of being soiled by contact with infectious organisms or other material.

Question 3

Pathogen

Answer 3

Capable of causing disease (disease causing microorganism).

Question 4

Micron

Answer 4

1/25,000 of an inch or 1/1,000 of a millimeter.

Question 5

Aerobic

Answer 5

Requiring the presence of air or free oxygen.

Question 6

Anaerobic

Answer 6

Bacteria that can live in the absence of atmosphere oxygen.

Question 7

Endospores (spores)

Answer 7

Microorganisms capable of forming a thick well around themselves enabling them to survive in adverse conditions; a resistant form of bacterium.

Question 8

pH

Answer 8

Measure of alkalinity or acidity on a scale of 0 to 14; pH of 7 is neutral (neither acid or alkaline); pH below 7 is a acid; pH above 7 is alkaline.

Question 9

Psychrophiles (bacteria)

Answer 9

Bacteria whose optimum temperature for growth is 59F to 68F (15C to 20C) or below.

Question 10

Mesophiles (bacteria)

Answer 10

Bacteria that grow best at moderate temperatures: 68F to 113F (20C to 45C).

Question 11

Thermophiles (bacteria)

Answer 11

Bacteria which grow best at a temperature of 122F to 158F (50 to 70C).

Question 12

Vegetative Stage

Answer 12

State of active growth of microorganisms (as opposed to the resting or spore stages).

Question 13

Angstrom

Answer 13

A unit used to measure the length of light waves.

Question 14

Binary Fission

Answer 14

The typical method of bacterial reproduction in which a cell divides into two equal parts.

Question 15

Prion

Answer 15

An infectious protein particle: an infectious particle of protein that, unlike a virus, contains no nucleic acid, does not trigger an immune response,and is not destroyed by extreme heat or cold.