Things I Should Just Know Flashcards
Eukaryotic Cell?
A cell that differs from a prokaryotic cell chiefly by having a nuclear membrane (a well-defined nucleus), membrane-bound subcellular organelles, and miotic cell division. Humans are eukaryotic. :)
Capsid?
The protein covering of a virus’s nucleic acid core. Capsids exhibit symmetry due to the regular arrangement of subunits called capsomers.
Nucleocapsid?
In viruses, the close physical combination of the nucleic acid with its protective covering.
Enveloped virus?
A virus whose nucelocapsid is enclosed by a membrane derived in part from the host cell. It usually contains exposed glycoproteins spikes specific for the virus.
Virion?
An elementary virus particle in its complete morphological and thus infectious form. A virion consists of the nucleic acid core surrounded by a capsid, which can be enclosed in an envelope.
Genome?
The complete set of chromosomes and genes in an organism.
Retrovirus?
A group of RNA viruses (including HIV) that have the mechanisms for converting their genome into a double strand of DNA that can be inserted on a host’s chromosome.
Syncytium? (Syncytia, plural)
A multinucleated protoplasmic mass formed by consolidation of individual cells.
Oncogene?
A naturally occurring type of gene that when activated can transform a normal cell into a cancer cell.
Lysogeny?
The indefinite persistence of bacteriophage DNA in a host without bringing about the production of virions.
Bacteriophage?
A virus that specifically infects bacteria.
Signs?
Any abnormality uncovered upon physical diagnosis that indicates the presence of disease. A sign is an objective assessment of disease, as opposed to symptom, which is the subjective assessment perceived by the patient.
Symptom?
The subjective evidence of infection and disease as perceived by the patient.
Asymptomatic?
An infection that produces no noticeable symptoms even though the microbe is active in the host tissue.
Syndrome?
The collection of signs and symptoms that, taken together, paint a portrait of the disease.
Communicable?
Capable of being transmitted from one individual to another.
Nosocomial or HAI?
An infection not present upon admission to a hospital but incurred while being treated there.
Prevalence?
Incidence?
Morbidity?
Mortality?
Prevalence - the total number of cases of a disease in a certain area and time.
Incidence - In epidemiology, the number of new cases of a disease occurring during a period.
Morbidity - A diseased condition
Mortality - loss of life
Pathogenicity?
vs:
Virulence?
Pathogenicity - the capacity of microbes to cause disease
Virulence - In infection, the relative capacity of a pathogen to invade and harm host cells
Exogenous?
vs:
Endogenous?
Exogenous: Originating outside of the body
Endogenous: Originating or produced within an organism or one of its parts.
Epidemiology?
The study of the factors affecting the prevalence and spread of a disease within a community.
Endemic?
Epidemic?
Pandemic?
Endemic disease - a native disease that prevails continuously in a geographic region.
Epidemic - A sudden and simultaneous outbreak or increase in the number of cases of disease in a community.
Pandemic - A disease afflicting an increased proportion of the population over a wide geographic area (often worldwide).
Infectious dose (ID)?
The amount of pathogen required to cause an infection in the host.
Virus?
Microscopic, acellular agent composed of nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat.
Protozoa?
A group of single-celled, eukaryotic organisms
Fungus?
Heterotrophic unicellular or multicellular eukaryotic organism that may take the form of a larger macroscopic organism, as in the case of mushrooms, or a smaller microscopic organism, as in the case of yeasts and molds.
bacteria?
Category of prokaryotes with peptidoglycan in their cell walls and circular chromosone(s). The group of a small cell is widely distributed in the earth’s habitats.
