Glossary Flashcards
The belief in spontaneous generation as a source of life.
abiogenesis
Nonliving factors such as soil, water, temperature, and light that are studied when looking at an ecosystem.
abiotic
Developed by Karl Landsteiner in 1904; the identification of different blood groups based on differing isoantigen markers characteristic of each blood type.
ABO blood group system
An inflamed, fibrous lesion enclosing a core of pus.
abscess
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).
acellular vaccine
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.
acid-fast
A solution containing carbol fuchsin, which, when bound to lipids in the envelopes of Mycobacterium species, cannot be removed with an acid wash.
acid-fast stain
A solution with a pH value below 7 on the pH scale.
acidic
An anaerobic degradation of pyruvic acid that results in organic acid production.
acidic fermentation
Protein component of long filaments of protein arranged under the cell membrane of bacteria; contributes to cell shape and division.
actin
Long, thin, protein strands found throughout a eukaryotic cell—but mainly concentrated just inside the cell membrane.
actin filaments
A group of filamentous, funguslike bacteria.
actinomycetes
The amount of energy required to overcome initial resistance to an enzymatic reaction.
activation energy
Immunity acquired through direct stimulation of the immune system by antigen.
active immunity
The specific region on an apoenzyme that binds substrate. The site for reaction catalysis.
active site
Nutrient transport method that requires carrier proteins in the membranes of the living cells and the expenditure of energy.
active transport
Characterized by rapid onset and short duration.
acute
A condition that appears relatively quickly after exposure and is of short duration.
acute infection
A synthetic purine analog that blocks DNA synthesis in certain viruses, particularly the herpes simplex viruses.
acyclovir
One of the nitrogen bases found in DNA and RNA, with a purine form.
adenine (A)
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.
adenosine deaminase (ADA) deficiency
A nucleotide that is the primary source of energy to cells
adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
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.
adhesion
In immunology, a chemical vehicle that enhances antigenicity, presumably by prolonging antigen retention at the injection site.
adjuvant
A process of adhering one molecule onto the surface of another molecule.
adsorption
A microorganism that lives and grows in the presence of free gaseous oxygen (O2).
aerobe
Respiration in which the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain is oxygen (O2).
aerobic respiration
Suspensions of fine dust or moisture particles in the air that contain live pathogens.
aerosols
The state of not utilizing oxygen but not being harmed by it.
aerotolerant
The absence of or severely reduced levels of antibodies in serum.
agammaglobulinemia
Also called hypogammaglobulinemia.
A polysaccharide found in seaweed and commonly used to prepare solid culture media.
Agar
The aggregation by antibodies of suspended cells or similar-size particles (agglutinogens) into clumps that settle.
agglutination
One form of leukocyte (white blood cell) having globular, nonlobed nuclei and lacking prominent cytoplasmic granules.
agranulocyte
The complex of signs and symptoms characteristic of the late phase of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
AIDS
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
A microbe that has no nucleus.
akaryote
An anaerobic degradation of pyruvic acid that results in alcohol production.
alcoholic fermentation
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.
Algae
A gene that occupies the same location as other alternative (allelic) genes on paired chromosomes.
allele
A substance that provokes an allergic response.
allergen
Respiratory symptoms caused by immune sensitivity to environmental antigens
allergic rhinitis
The altered, usually exaggerated, immune response to an allergen. Also called hypersensitivity.
allergy
An antigen that is present in some but not all members of the same species.
alloantigen
Relatively compatible tissue exchange between nonidentical members of the same species. Also called homograft.
allograft
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.
allosteric
A method for detecting mutagenic and potentially carcinogenic agents based upon the genetic alteration of nutritionally defective bacteria.
Ames test
The building blocks of protein. Amino acids exist in 20 naturally occurring forms that impart different characteristics to the various proteins they compose.
amino acids
The building blocks of protein. Amino acids exist in 20 naturally occurring forms that impart different characteristics to the various proteins they compose.
amino acids
A complex group of drugs derived from soil actinomycetes that impairs ribosome function and has antibiotic potential. Example: streptomycin.
aminoglycoside
Phase of the nitrogen cycle in which ammonia is released from decomposing organic material.
ammonification
Pertaining to the metabolic pathways that serve multiple functions in the breakdown, synthesis, and conversion of metabolites.
amphibolism
Relating to a compound that has contrasting characteristics, such as hydrophilic-hydrophobic or acid-base.
amphipathic
Having a single flagellum or a tuft of flagella at opposite poles of a microbial cell.
amphitrichous
DNA strand that has been primed for replication during polymerase chain reaction.
amplicon
The energy-consuming process of incorporating nutrients into protoplasm through biosynthesis.
anabolism
A microorganism that grows best, or exclusively, in the absence of oxygen.
anaerobe
Respiration in which the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain is an inorganic molecule containing sulfate, nitrate, nitrite, carbonate, and so on.
anaerobic respiration
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.
anamnestic response
The unusual or exaggerated allergic reaction to antigen that leads to severe respiratory and cardiac complications.
anaphylaxis
A negatively charged ion.
anion
In the context of genome sequencing, it is the process of assigning biological function to genetic sequence.
annotating
Non-oxygen-producing.
anoxygenic
Relationship in which microorganisms compete for survival in a common environment by taking actions that inhibit or destroy another organism.
antagonism
A chemical substance from one microorganism that can inhibit or kill another microbe even in minute amounts.
antibiotic
A large protein molecule evoked in response to an antigen that interacts specifically with that antigen.
antibody
The trinucleotide sequence of transfer RNA that is complementary to the trinucleotide sequence of messenger RNA (the codon).
anticodon
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.
antigen (Ag)
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.
antigen binding site
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.
antigen-presenting cells
Minor antigenic changes in the influenza A virus due to mutations in the spikes’ genes.
antigenic drift
Major changes in the influenza A virus due to recombination of viral strains from two different host species.
antigenic shift
The property of a substance to stimulate a specific immune response such as antibody formation.
antigenicity
A drug that counters the action of histamine and is useful in allergy treatment.
antihistamine
A special class of compounds capable of destroying or inhibiting microorganisms.
antimicrobial
Short protein molecules found in epithelial cells; have the ability to kill bacteria.
antimicrobial peptides (AMPs)
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.
antiparallel
A growth-inhibiting agent used on tissues to prevent infection.
antiseptic
Globulin fraction of serum that neutralizes a specific toxin. Also refers to the specific antitoxin antibody itself.
antitoxin
A group of protozoans that lack locomotion in the mature state.
apicomplexans
The protein part of an enzyme, as opposed to the nonprotein or inorganic cofactors.
apoenzyme
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.
apoptosis
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.
appendages
Referring to solutions in which water is used as the solvent.
aqueous
A subterranean water-bearing stratum of permeable rock, sand, or gravel.
aquifer
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.
archaea
Reproductive body of Coccidioides immitis; also arthrospore.
arthroconidia
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.
Arthus reaction
Immunity that is induced as a medical intervention, either by exposing an individual to an antigen or administering immune substances to him or her.
artificial immunity
A spore formed within a saclike cell (ascus) of Ascomycota following nuclear fusion and meiosis.
ascospore
Special fungal sac in which haploid spores are created.
ascus
A condition free of viable pathogenic microorganisms.
asepsis
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.
aseptic technique
Microbiological medium used to test the effects of specific treatments to bacteria, such as antibiotic or disinfectant treatment.
assay medium
The step in viral multiplication in which capsids and genetic material are packaged into virions.
assembly (viral)
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.
asthma
A branch of microbiology that studies the potential for and the possible role of microorganisms in space and on other planets.
astromicrobiology
An infection that produces no noticeable symptoms even though the microbe is active in the host tissue.
asymptomatic
A person with an inapparent infection who shows no symptoms of being infected yet is able to pass the disease agent on to others.
asymptomatic carrier
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.
atmosphere
The smallest particle of an element to retain all the properties of that element.
atom
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.
atopy
A unique enzyme located in the mitochondrial cristae and chloroplast grana that harnesses the flux of hydrogen ions to the synthesis of ATP.
ATP synthase
To reduce the virulence of a pathogenic bacterium or virus by passing it through a nonnative host or by long-term subculture.
attenuate
The codon that signals the point at which translation of a messenger RNA molecule is to begin.
AUG (start codon)
An “anti-self” antibody having an affinity for tissue antigens of the subject in which it is formed.
autoantibody
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.
autoclave
Tissue or organ surgically transplanted to another site on the same subject.
autograft
The pathologic condition arising from the production of antibodies against autoantigens. Example: rheumatoid arthritis. Also called autoimmunity.
autoimmune disease
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.
autoinducer
A microorganism that requires only inorganic nutrients and whose sole source of carbon is carbon dioxide.
autotroph
A sterile state such as a pure culture. An axenic animal is born and raised in a germ-free environment. See gnotobiotic.
axenic
A type of flagellum (called an endoflagellum) that lies in the periplasmic space of spirochetes and is responsible for locomotion. Also called periplasmic flagellum.
axial filament
Five-membered heterocyclic compounds that are used in antifungal therapy.
azole
A white blood cell that gives rise to plasma cells and antibodies.
B lymphocyte (B cell)
Antibiotic that targets the bacterial cell wall; component of over-the-counter topical antimicrobial ointments.
bacitracin
A mutation that counteracts an earlier mutation, resulting in the restoration of the original DNA sequence.
back-mutation
The presence of viable bacteria in circulating blood.
bacteremia
When capitalized can refer to one of the three domains of living organisms proposed by Woese, containing all nonarchaea prokaryotes.
Bacteria
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.
bacteria (singular, bacterium)
A circular body in bacteria that contains the primary genetic material. Also called nucleoid.
bacterial chromosome
An agent that kills bacteria.
bactericide
A virus that specifically infects bacteria.
bacteriophage
Any process or agent that inhibits bacterial growth.
bacteristatic
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.
bacterium
A microorganism that thrives under high (usually hydrostatic) pressure
barophile
membrane A thin layer (1–6 μm) of protein and polysaccharide found at the base of epithelial tissues.
basement
A solution with a pH value above 7 on the pH scale.
basic
A sexual spore that arises from a basidium. Found in Basidiomycota fungi.
basidiospore
A motile polymorphonuclear leukocyte that binds IgE. The basophilic cytoplasmic granules contain mediators of anaphylaxis and atopy.
basophil
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.
beta oxidation
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.
beta-lactamase
The formation of two new cells of approximately equal size as the result of parent cell division.
binary fission
Scientific method of assigning names to organisms that employs two names to identify every organism—genus name plus species name.
binomial system
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.
biochemistry
A complex association that arises from a mixture of microorganisms growing together on the surface of a habitat.
biofilm
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.
biogeochemical cycle
The use of computer software to determine the function of genes through analysis of the DNA and protein sequences.
bioinformatics
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.
biological vector
The production of light by various species of bacteria, fish, insects, and some animals through the conversion of chemical energy into light.
bioluminescence
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.
biomarkers
Particular climate regions in a terrestrial realm.
biomes
Decomposition of harmful chemicals by microbes or consortia of microbes.
bioremediation
Habitable regions comprising the aquatic (hydrospheric), soil-rock (lithospheric), and air (atmospheric) environments.
biosphere
A process by which microbes in an environment are encouraged to grow by the addition of nutrients; a form of bioremediation.
biostimulation
Surface-acting agents such as soaps and cleaning agents derived from bacteria and fungi rather than fossil fuels. See surfactant.
biosurfactants
Beneficial or harmless resident bacteria commonly found on and/or in the human body.
biota
The use of microbes or their products in the commercial or industrial realm.
biotechnology
Living factors such as parasites, food substrates, or other living or once-living organisms that are studied when looking at an ecosystem.
biotic
The IgG class of immunoglobulins that competes with IgE antibody for allergens, thus blocking the degranulation of basophils and mast cells.
blocking antibody
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.
blood cells
Decreased permeability of the walls of blood vessels in the brain, restricting access to that compartment.
blood-brain barrier
Clostridium botulinum toxin. Ingestion of this potent exotoxin leads to flaccid paralysis.
botulinum
An exotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum that causes flaccid muscle paralysis.
botulinum toxin
An active polypeptide that is a potent vasodilator released from IgE-coated mast cells during anaphylaxis.
bradykinin
Denotes drugs that have an effect on a wide variety of microorganisms.
broad-spectrum
The swelling of one or more lymph nodes due to inflammation.
bubo
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.
bubonic plague
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.
bulbar poliomyelitis
Consisting of fluid-filled blisters.
bullous
