Module 1 Flashcards
Algae
a common term for several unrelated groups of photosynthetic eukaryotic microorganisms. Most are now considered protists
Archaea
members of the domain Archaea
Atomic force microscope
a scanning probe microscope that has a tiny probe that scans along the sample detecting small variations in surface topology. The scanned surface data is used to generate a visual representation of the object surface for viewing.
Bacteria
members of the domain Bacteria
Bright-field Microscope
A light microscope in which visible light passes through the specimen to reach the eye
Confocal microscope
a microscope using precisely focused laser light applied in a scanning pattern through multiple parallel planes with image data captured only at the focal point of the capturing lens to generate a compound three dimensional image.
Contrast
detectable visual contrast between two points i.e. black versus white
Dark-field microscope
A light microscope in which visible light must be deflected off of the specimen to reach the eye.
Differential Interference Contrast Microscope
use differences in refractive indices and thickness of different parts of the specimen to create a visible image
Differential staining
Combination of two or more stains to differentiate different sample constituents from each other
Electron microscope
a microscope utilizing beams of electrons in place of light to visualize samples.
Eukarya
domain of life containing all eukaryotic cells
Eukaryotic cells
Cells that have a membrane-delimited nucleus; all plants, fungi, protists and animals are eukaryotic
Fixation
treatment of a sample to have it remain attached to the slide and/or retain its three dimensional structure(s) during staining and viewing
Fluorescent microscope
a microscope that captures the image of fluorescent molecules (natural, dyes or tags) that are stimulated to release visible light in response to being bombarded with light in that molecules excitation spectra (range of wavelengths).
Fungi
achlorophyllous, heterotrophic, spore-bearing eukaryotes with absorptive nutrition and a walled thallus
Gram stain
a very common bacterial differential stain that reveals information about the bacteria’s outer wall make up
Lens
bends rays of light rays of light (or electrons) to focus on the specimen
Light microscopes:
utilize lenses to bend light beams to focus and magnify images of the sample.
Magnification
the process of increasing the apparent size of an object, usually using lenses. Each lens will have a defined magnification value.
Microbiology
the study of microorganisms
Microbiome
the totality of microorganisms and microbial genomes that constitute a host’s normal microbiota
Microorganism
an organism that is usually too small to be seen with the naked eye and is often unicellular, or if multicellular, does not exhibit a high degree of differentiation
Phase-contrast microscope
A light microscope that manipulates the light path of light transmitted through or reflected from the sample to accentuate slight differences in the phase of light to increase contrast and facilitate viewing without staining.
Prokaryotic cells
cells that lack internal membrane enclosed compartments; Bacteria and Archaea are prokaryotes
Protist
unicellular and sometimes colonial eukaryotic organisms that lack cellular differentiation into tissues. Many chemoorganotrophic protists are referred to as protozoa, many phototrophic protists are referred to as algae.
Refractive index
the value that describes how fast light moves through a given substance relative to a vacuum. The greater the number, the slower light moves and the greater the angle of deflection on transitioning from a vacuum (or air) into the substance.
Resolution
the ability to distinguish two spots as separate. The higher the resolution the clearer an image appears.
Scanning electron microscope
an electron microscope that generates an image as electrons are deflected from an object’s surface
Slime molds
a common term for members of the protest taxa Myxogastria and Dictyostelia.
Staining
Addition of colored dye to a specimen to aid viewing of detail
Transmission electron microscope
an electron microscope that generates an image as electrons are blocked passing through thin sections of the sample
Viruses
an infectious agent having a simple acellular organization with a protein coat and a nucleic acid genome, lacking independent metabolism, and multiplying only within living host cells.
Water molds
Öomycetes; a collective name for protists also known as water molds. Formerly thought to be fungi.
