Microbial Growth

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to microbial growth as discussed in lecture notes.

Microbial Growth

Refers to the increase in the number of microbial cells, not their size.

Biofilm

A complex community of microorganisms encased in a slimy layer that adheres to surfaces.

Psychrophiles

Microorganisms that thrive in cold temperatures, typically below 15°C.

Mesophiles

Microorganisms that grow best at moderate temperatures, typically between 25-40°C.

Thermophiles

Organisms that grow at high temperatures, usually around 50-60°C.

Hyperthermophiles

Extremophiles that thrive at temperatures above 80°C.

Osmotic Pressure

The pressure required to prevent the flow of water across a semipermeable membrane, significant in microbial growth.

Obligate Aerobes

Microorganisms that require oxygen for growth.

Facultative Anaerobes

Organisms that can grow with or without oxygen, but prefer oxygen when available.

Obligate Anaerobes

Microorganisms that cannot grow in the presence of oxygen.

Quorum Sensing

A process of chemical communication between bacteria that enables them to coordinate their behaviors.

Culture Medium

A nutrient solution used to grow microorganisms in a laboratory.

Selective Media

Media designed to suppress the growth of unwanted bacteria while encouraging the growth of the desired organisms.

Differential Media

Media that allow for the differentiation of closely related organisms based on their biochemical activity.

Enrichment Culture

A medium designed to favor the growth of a particular microorganism while inhibiting others.

Plate Count

A method of determining the number of viable bacteria in a sample by counting the number of colonies on a plated medium.

Turbidity

The cloudiness of a liquid caused by a high concentration of microorganisms.

Most Probable Number (MPN)

A statistical estimate of bacterial populations based on the dilution of samples and the growth in multiple tubes.

Direct Microscopic Count

A method that involves counting the number of cells in a given volume using a microscope.

Colony Forming Unit (CFU)

A unit used to estimate the number of viable bacteria in a sample, acknowledging that one colony may arise from a group of cells.

Catalase

An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen.

Absorbance

A measure of the amount of light absorbed by a sample, related to the concentration of microorganisms present.