Microbiology Intro/L1 Flashcards
What is an epidemic?
Occurs when cases of a disease in a given population and time exceed what is expected
What is epidemiology?
The study of disease in populations
What is etiology?
Refers to the cause of disease or pathologies
What is a pathogen?
Any disease producing agent
What is pathogenesis?
The process through which microbes cause disease in a host; the way a pathogen causes disease
What is pathogenicity?
The ability of a microorganism to cause disease
What is taxonomy?
The hierarchical system for classifying and identifying organisms
What is nomenclature?
The method by which an organism in named
What is the correct way to write genus and species?
Genus is capitalized, species is not
How is the name of bacteria named?
Given two words, first word is the genus it belongs to, second is the species name
What are bacteria classified by?
- Morphology (size and shape)
- Type of growth on plates
- Ability to perform certain biochemical functions
- Staining properties
- Ability to grow with or without oxygen
- Effect on animals, plants, environment
What is agar?
A jello-like material derived from seaweed
What does it mean when a bacteria is termed “hemolytic”?
It has the ability to hemolyse (rupture) RBCs by producing toxins (hemolysins)
What is a symbiotic relationship?
When two or more organisms live together
What is a mutualistic relationship?
Both organisms benefit and frequently are unable to grow apart
What is a synergistic relationship?
Two organisms benefit from each other but can live apart
What is a saprophyte?
Bacteria live in the environment and live off the decay of plant and animal matter
What is serology?
Antigen and antibody reactions
