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Glossary Flashcards

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1
Q

The belief in spontaneous generation as a source of life.

A

abiogenesis

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2
Q

Nonliving factors such as soil, water, temperature, and light that are studied when looking at an ecosystem.

A

abiotic

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3
Q

Developed by Karl Landsteiner in 1904; the identification of different blood groups based on differing isoantigen markers characteristic of each blood type.

A

ABO blood group system

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4
Q

An inflamed, fibrous lesion enclosing a core of pus.

A

abscess

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5
Q

A vaccine preparation that contains specific antigens such as the capsule or toxin from a pathogen and not the whole microbe. Acellular (without a cell).

A

acellular vaccine

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6
Q

A term referring to the property of mycobacteria to retain carbol fuchsin even in the presence of acid alcohol. The staining procedure is used to diagnose tuberculosis.

A

acid-fast

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7
Q

A solution containing carbol fuchsin, which, when bound to lipids in the envelopes of Mycobacterium species, cannot be removed with an acid wash.

A

acid-fast stain

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8
Q

A solution with a pH value below 7 on the pH scale.

A

acidic

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9
Q

An anaerobic degradation of pyruvic acid that results in organic acid production.

A

acidic fermentation

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10
Q

Protein component of long filaments of protein arranged under the cell membrane of bacteria; contributes to cell shape and division.

A

actin

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11
Q

Long, thin, protein strands found throughout a eukaryotic cell—but mainly concentrated just inside the cell membrane.

A

actin filaments

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12
Q

A group of filamentous, funguslike bacteria.

A

actinomycetes

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13
Q

The amount of energy required to overcome initial resistance to an enzymatic reaction.

A

activation energy

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14
Q

Immunity acquired through direct stimulation of the immune system by antigen.

A

active immunity

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15
Q

The specific region on an apoenzyme that binds substrate. The site for reaction catalysis.

A

active site

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16
Q

Nutrient transport method that requires carrier proteins in the membranes of the living cells and the expenditure of energy.

A

active transport

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17
Q

Characterized by rapid onset and short duration.

A

acute

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18
Q

A condition that appears relatively quickly after exposure and is of short duration.

A

acute infection

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19
Q

A synthetic purine analog that blocks DNA synthesis in certain viruses, particularly the herpes simplex viruses.

A

acyclovir

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20
Q

One of the nitrogen bases found in DNA and RNA, with a purine form.

A

adenine (A)

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21
Q

An immunodeficiency disorder and one type of SCIDs that is caused by an inborn error in the metabolism of adenine. The accumulation of adenine destroys both B and T lymphocytes.

A

adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency

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22
Q

A nucleotide that is the primary source of energy to cells

A

adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

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23
Q

The process by which microbes gain a more stable foothold at the portal of entry; often involves a specific interaction between the molecules on the microbial surface and the receptors on the host cell.

A

adhesion

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24
Q

In immunology, a chemical vehicle that enhances antigenicity, presumably by prolonging antigen retention at the injection site.

A

adjuvant

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25
Q

A process of adhering one molecule onto the surface of another molecule.

A

adsorption

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26
Q

A microorganism that lives and grows in the presence of free gaseous oxygen (O2).

A

aerobe

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27
Q

Respiration in which the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain is oxygen (O2).

A

aerobic respiration

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28
Q

Suspensions of fine dust or moisture particles in the air that contain live pathogens.

A

aerosols

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29
Q

The state of not utilizing oxygen but not being harmed by it.

A

aerotolerant

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30
Q

The absence of or severely reduced levels of antibodies in serum.

A

agammaglobulinemia
Also called hypogammaglobulinemia.

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31
Q

A polysaccharide found in seaweed and commonly used to prepare solid culture media.

A

Agar

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32
Q

The aggregation by antibodies of suspended cells or similar-size particles (agglutinogens) into clumps that settle.

A

agglutination

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33
Q

One form of leukocyte (white blood cell) having globular, nonlobed nuclei and lacking prominent cytoplasmic granules.

A

agranulocyte

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34
Q

The complex of signs and symptoms characteristic of the late phase of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

A

AIDS
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

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35
Q

A microbe that has no nucleus.

A

akaryote

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36
Q

An anaerobic degradation of pyruvic acid that results in alcohol production.

A

alcoholic fermentation

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37
Q

Photosynthetic, plantlike organisms that generally lack the complex structure of plants; they may be single-celled or multicellular and inhabit diverse habitats such as marine and freshwater environments, glaciers, and hot springs.

A

Algae

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38
Q

A gene that occupies the same location as other alternative (allelic) genes on paired chromosomes.

A

allele

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39
Q

A substance that provokes an allergic response.

A

allergen

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40
Q

Respiratory symptoms caused by immune sensitivity to environmental antigens

A

allergic rhinitis

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41
Q

The altered, usually exaggerated, immune response to an allergen. Also called hypersensitivity.

A

allergy

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42
Q

An antigen that is present in some but not all members of the same species.

A

alloantigen

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43
Q

Relatively compatible tissue exchange between nonidentical members of the same species. Also called homograft.

A

allograft

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44
Q

Pertaining to the altered activity of an enzyme due to the binding of a molecule to a region other than the enzyme’s active site.

A

allosteric

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45
Q

A method for detecting mutagenic and potentially carcinogenic agents based upon the genetic alteration of nutritionally defective bacteria.

A

Ames test

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46
Q

The building blocks of protein. Amino acids exist in 20 naturally occurring forms that impart different characteristics to the various proteins they compose.

A

amino acids

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47
Q

The building blocks of protein. Amino acids exist in 20 naturally occurring forms that impart different characteristics to the various proteins they compose.

A

amino acids

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48
Q

A complex group of drugs derived from soil actinomycetes that impairs ribosome function and has antibiotic potential. Example: streptomycin.

A

aminoglycoside

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49
Q

Phase of the nitrogen cycle in which ammonia is released from decomposing organic material.

A

ammonification

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50
Q

Pertaining to the metabolic pathways that serve multiple functions in the breakdown, synthesis, and conversion of metabolites.

A

amphibolism

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51
Q

Relating to a compound that has contrasting characteristics, such as hydrophilic-hydrophobic or acid-base.

A

amphipathic

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52
Q

Having a single flagellum or a tuft of flagella at opposite poles of a microbial cell.

A

amphitrichous

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53
Q

DNA strand that has been primed for replication during polymerase chain reaction.

A

amplicon

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54
Q

The energy-consuming process of incorporating nutrients into protoplasm through biosynthesis.

A

anabolism

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55
Q

A microorganism that grows best, or exclusively, in the absence of oxygen.

A

anaerobe

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56
Q

Respiration in which the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain is an inorganic molecule containing sulfate, nitrate, nitrite, carbonate, and so on.

A

anaerobic respiration

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57
Q

In immunology, an augmented response or memory related to a prior stimulation of the immune system by antigen. It boosts the levels of immune substances.

A

anamnestic response

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58
Q

The unusual or exaggerated allergic reaction to antigen that leads to severe respiratory and cardiac complications.

A

anaphylaxis

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59
Q

A negatively charged ion.

A

anion

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60
Q

In the context of genome sequencing, it is the process of assigning biological function to genetic sequence.

A

annotating

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61
Q

Non-oxygen-producing.

A

anoxygenic

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62
Q

Relationship in which microorganisms compete for survival in a common environment by taking actions that inhibit or destroy another organism.

A

antagonism

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63
Q

A chemical substance from one microorganism that can inhibit or kill another microbe even in minute amounts.

A

antibiotic

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64
Q

A large protein molecule evoked in response to an antigen that interacts specifically with that antigen.

A

antibody

65
Q

The trinucleotide sequence of transfer RNA that is complementary to the trinucleotide sequence of messenger RNA (the codon).

A

anticodon

66
Q

Any cell, particle, or chemical that induces a specific immune response by B cells or T cells and can stimulate resistance to an infection or a toxin. See immunogen.

A

antigen (Ag)

67
Q

Specific region at the ends of the antibody molecule that recognizes specific antigens. These sites have numerous shapes to fit a wide variety of antigens.

A

antigen binding site

68
Q

Cells of the immune system that digest foreign cells and particles and place pieces of them on their own surfaces in such a way that other cells of the immune system recognize them.

A

antigen-presenting cells

69
Q

Minor antigenic changes in the influenza A virus due to mutations in the spikes’ genes.

A

antigenic drift

70
Q

Major changes in the influenza A virus due to recombination of viral strains from two different host species.

A

antigenic shift

71
Q

The property of a substance to stimulate a specific immune response such as antibody formation.

A

antigenicity

72
Q

A drug that counters the action of histamine and is useful in allergy treatment.

A

antihistamine

73
Q

A special class of compounds capable of destroying or inhibiting microorganisms.

A

antimicrobial

74
Q

Short protein molecules found in epithelial cells; have the ability to kill bacteria.

A

antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)

75
Q

A description of the two strands of DNA, which are parallel to each other, but the orientation of the deoxyribose and phosphate groups run in the opposite directions, with the 5′ carbon at the top of the leading strand and the 3′ carbon at the top of the lagging strand.

A

antiparallel

76
Q

A growth-inhibiting agent used on tissues to prevent infection.

A

antiseptic

77
Q

Globulin fraction of serum that neutralizes a specific toxin. Also refers to the specific antitoxin antibody itself.

A

antitoxin

78
Q

A group of protozoans that lack locomotion in the mature state.

A

apicomplexans

79
Q

The protein part of an enzyme, as opposed to the nonprotein or inorganic cofactors.

A

apoenzyme

80
Q

The genetically programmed death of cells that is both a natural process of development and the body’s means of destroying abnormal or infected cells.

A

apoptosis

81
Q

Accessory structures that sprout from the surface of bacteria. They can be divided into two major groups: those that provide motility and those that enable adhesion.

A

appendages

82
Q

Referring to solutions in which water is used as the solvent.

A

aqueous

83
Q

A subterranean water-bearing stratum of permeable rock, sand, or gravel.

A

aquifer

84
Q

Prokaryotic single-celled organisms of primitive origin that have unusual anatomy, physiology, and genetics and live in harsh habitats; when capitalized (Archaea), the term refers to one of the three domains of living organisms as proposed by Woese.

A

archaea

85
Q

Reproductive body of Coccidioides immitis; also arthrospore.

A

arthroconidia

86
Q

An immune complex phenomenon that develops after repeat injection. This localized inflammation results from aggregates of antigen and antibody that bind, complement, and attract neutrophils.

A

Arthus reaction

87
Q

Immunity that is induced as a medical intervention, either by exposing an individual to an antigen or administering immune substances to him or her.

A

artificial immunity

88
Q

A spore formed within a saclike cell (ascus) of Ascomycota following nuclear fusion and meiosis.

A

ascospore

89
Q

Special fungal sac in which haploid spores are created.

A

ascus

90
Q

A condition free of viable pathogenic microorganisms.

A

asepsis

91
Q

Methods of handling microbial cultures, patient specimens, and other sources of microbes in a way that prevents infection of the handler and others who may be exposed.

A

aseptic technique

92
Q

Microbiological medium used to test the effects of specific treatments to bacteria, such as antibiotic or disinfectant treatment.

A

assay medium

93
Q

The step in viral multiplication in which capsids and genetic material are packaged into virions.

A

assembly (viral)

94
Q

A type of chronic local allergy in which the airways become constricted and produce excess mucus in reaction to allergens, exercise, stress, or cold temperatures.

A

asthma

95
Q

A branch of microbiology that studies the potential for and the possible role of microorganisms in space and on other planets.

A

astromicrobiology

96
Q

An infection that produces no noticeable symptoms even though the microbe is active in the host tissue.

A

asymptomatic

97
Q

A person with an inapparent infection who shows no symptoms of being infected yet is able to pass the disease agent on to others.

A

asymptomatic carrier

98
Q

That part of the biosphere that includes the gaseous envelope up to 14 miles above the earth’s surface. It contains gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and oxygen.

A

atmosphere

99
Q

The smallest particle of an element to retain all the properties of that element.

A

atom

100
Q

Allergic reaction classified as type I, with a strong familial relationship; caused by allergens such as pollen, insect venom, food, and dander; involves IgE antibody; includes symptoms of hay fever, asthma, and skin rash.

A

atopy

101
Q

A unique enzyme located in the mitochondrial cristae and chloroplast grana that harnesses the flux of hydrogen ions to the synthesis of ATP.

A

ATP synthase

102
Q

To reduce the virulence of a pathogenic bacterium or virus by passing it through a nonnative host or by long-term subculture.

A

attenuate

103
Q

The codon that signals the point at which translation of a messenger RNA molecule is to begin.

A

AUG (start codon)

104
Q

An “anti-self” antibody having an affinity for tissue antigens of the subject in which it is formed.

A

autoantibody

105
Q

A sterilization chamber that allows the use of steam under pressure to sterilize materials. The most common temperature/pressure combination for an autoclave is 121°C and 15 psi.

A

autoclave

106
Q

Tissue or organ surgically transplanted to another site on the same subject.

A

autograft

107
Q

The pathologic condition arising from the production of antibodies against autoantigens. Example: rheumatoid arthritis. Also called autoimmunity.

A

autoimmune disease

108
Q

A chemical produced when bacteria have reached a specific concentration of cells, or quorum, causing the bacteria to behave as a group in various physiological activities including bioluminescence and biofilm formation.

A

autoinducer

109
Q

A microorganism that requires only inorganic nutrients and whose sole source of carbon is carbon dioxide.

A

autotroph

110
Q

A sterile state such as a pure culture. An axenic animal is born and raised in a germ-free environment. See gnotobiotic.

A

axenic

111
Q

A type of flagellum (called an endoflagellum) that lies in the periplasmic space of spirochetes and is responsible for locomotion. Also called periplasmic flagellum.

A

axial filament

112
Q

Five-membered heterocyclic compounds that are used in antifungal therapy.

A

azole

113
Q

A white blood cell that gives rise to plasma cells and antibodies.

A

B lymphocyte (B cell)

114
Q

Antibiotic that targets the bacterial cell wall; component of over-the-counter topical antimicrobial ointments.

A

bacitracin

115
Q

A mutation that counteracts an earlier mutation, resulting in the restoration of the original DNA sequence.

A

back-mutation

116
Q

The presence of viable bacteria in circulating blood.

A

bacteremia

117
Q

When capitalized can refer to one of the three domains of living organisms proposed by Woese, containing all nonarchaea prokaryotes.

A

Bacteria

118
Q

Category of prokaryotes with peptidoglycan in their cell walls and circular chromosome(s). This group of small cells is widely distributed in the earth’s habitats.

A

bacteria (singular, bacterium)

119
Q

A circular body in bacteria that contains the primary genetic material. Also called nucleoid.

A

bacterial chromosome

120
Q

An agent that kills bacteria.

A

bactericide

121
Q

A virus that specifically infects bacteria.

A

bacteriophage

122
Q

Any process or agent that inhibits bacterial growth.

A

bacteristatic

123
Q

A tiny unicellular prokaryotic organism that usually reproduces by binary fission and usually has a peptidoglycan cell wall, has various shapes, and can be found in virtually any environment.

A

bacterium

124
Q

A microorganism that thrives under high (usually hydrostatic) pressure

A

barophile

125
Q

membrane A thin layer (1–6 μm) of protein and polysaccharide found at the base of epithelial tissues.

A

basement

126
Q

A solution with a pH value above 7 on the pH scale.

A

basic

127
Q

A sexual spore that arises from a basidium. Found in Basidiomycota fungi.

A

basidiospore

128
Q

A motile polymorphonuclear leukocyte that binds IgE. The basophilic cytoplasmic granules contain mediators of anaphylaxis and atopy.

A

basophil

129
Q

The degradation of long-chain fatty acids. Two-carbon fragments are formed as a result of enzymatic attack directed against the second or beta carbon of the hydrocarbon chain. Aided by coenzyme A, the fragments enter the Krebs cycle and are processed for ATP synthesis.

A

beta oxidation

130
Q

An enzyme secreted by certain bacteria that cleaves the beta-lactam ring of penicillin and cephalosporin and thus provides for resistance against the antibiotic. See penicillinase.

A

beta-lactamase

131
Q

The formation of two new cells of approximately equal size as the result of parent cell division.

A

binary fission

132
Q

Scientific method of assigning names to organisms that employs two names to identify every organism—genus name plus species name.

A

binomial system

133
Q

The study of organic compounds produced by (or components of) living things. The four main categories of biochemicals are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

A

biochemistry

134
Q

A complex association that arises from a mixture of microorganisms growing together on the surface of a habitat.

A

biofilm

135
Q

A process by which matter is converted from organic to inorganic form and returned to various nonliving reservoirs on earth (air, rocks, and water) where it becomes available for reuse by living things. Elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus are constantly cycled in this manner.

A

biogeochemical cycle

136
Q

The use of computer software to determine the function of genes through analysis of the DNA and protein sequences.

A

bioinformatics

137
Q

An animal that not only transports an infectious agent but plays a role in the life cycle of the pathogen, serving as a site in which it can multiply or complete its life cycle. It is usually an alternate host to the pathogen.

A

biological vector

138
Q

The production of light by various species of bacteria, fish, insects, and some animals through the conversion of chemical energy into light.

A

bioluminescence

139
Q

Proteins, chemicals, or other substances that can be used as indicators of normal biological processes, disease, exposure to an environmental substance, or a reaction to a drug; measured in various bodily substances such as saliva, blood, urine, and hair—and even in the breath.

A

biomarkers

140
Q

Particular climate regions in a terrestrial realm.

A

biomes

141
Q

Decomposition of harmful chemicals by microbes or consortia of microbes.

A

bioremediation

142
Q

Habitable regions comprising the aquatic (hydrospheric), soil-rock (lithospheric), and air (atmospheric) environments.

A

biosphere

143
Q

A process by which microbes in an environment are encouraged to grow by the addition of nutrients; a form of bioremediation.

A

biostimulation

144
Q

Surface-acting agents such as soaps and cleaning agents derived from bacteria and fungi rather than fossil fuels. See surfactant.

A

biosurfactants

145
Q

Beneficial or harmless resident bacteria commonly found on and/or in the human body.

A

biota

146
Q

The use of microbes or their products in the commercial or industrial realm.

A

biotechnology

147
Q

Living factors such as parasites, food substrates, or other living or once-living organisms that are studied when looking at an ecosystem.

A

biotic

148
Q

The IgG class of immunoglobulins that competes with IgE antibody for allergens, thus blocking the degranulation of basophils and mast cells.

A

blocking antibody

149
Q

Cellular components of the blood consisting of red blood cells, primarily responsible for the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and white blood cells, primarily responsible for host defense and immune reactions.

A

blood cells

150
Q

Decreased permeability of the walls of blood vessels in the brain, restricting access to that compartment.

A

blood-brain barrier

151
Q

Clostridium botulinum toxin. Ingestion of this potent exotoxin leads to flaccid paralysis.

A

botulinum

152
Q

An exotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum that causes flaccid muscle paralysis.

A

botulinum toxin

153
Q

An active polypeptide that is a potent vasodilator released from IgE-coated mast cells during anaphylaxis.

A

bradykinin

154
Q

Denotes drugs that have an effect on a wide variety of microorganisms.

A

broad-spectrum

155
Q

The swelling of one or more lymph nodes due to inflammation.

A

bubo

156
Q

The form of plague in which bacterial growth is primarily restricted to the lymph and is characterized by the appearance of a swollen lymph node referred to as a bubo.

A

bubonic plague

157
Q

Complication of polio infection in which the brain stem, medulla, or cranial nerves are affected. Leads to loss of respiratory control and paralysis of the trunk and limbs.

A

bulbar poliomyelitis

158
Q

Consisting of fluid-filled blisters.

A

bullous

Microbiology 205 (5 decks)

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