Lecture Notes on Forensic Science, Microbiology, and Immunology

Vocabulary flashcards from lecture notes on determining time of death, stages of decomposition, DNA profiling, infection, bacteria, viruses, immune response, antibiotics, and post-transcriptional modification.

Algor Mortis

The cooling of the body temperature after death until it reaches ambient temperature.

Rigor Mortis

The stiffness of muscles and joints due to the fixing of muscle proteins (actin and myosin) after death, caused by a lack of ATP.

Forensic Entomology

The study of insects to estimate time since death, based on species present, their life cycle stages, and environmental factors.

Autolysis

The self-digestion of cells and tissues by enzymes from the digestive tract and lysosomes after death.

Stages of Succession

The sequential colonization of a body by different species of insects after death.

DNA Profiling

A technique used to identify individuals based on their unique DNA sequences, particularly in introns (STRs).

STR (Short Tandem Repeats)

Non-coding regions of DNA (introns) with high genetic variability, used in DNA profiling.

PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)

A technique used to amplify specific DNA sequences, creating multiple identical copies.

Restriction Endonuclease

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific base sequences (recognition sites), used to create DNA fragments.

Gel Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA fragments based on their length and charge, creating a DNA profile.

Infection

The reproduction and growth of a pathogen inside tissues or cells.

Bacteria

Living microorganisms with a cell wall, cell surface membrane, cytoplasm, 70s ribosomes, and plasmids; reproduce by binary fission.

Virus

Non-living particles with RNA or DNA, a protein envelope containing glycoproteins, and relying on a host cell to reproduce.

Plasmid

Double-stranded circular DNA in bacteria that contains additional genes aiding the bacterium's survival.

Tuberculosis (TB)

An airborne bacterial infection caused by M.tuberculosis, characterized by the formation of tubercles in the lungs.

Tubercles

Structures formed by macrophages to contain TB bacteria, creating an anaerobic environment.

Latent TB

Inactive TB bacteria lying dormant within tubercles, unable to be destroyed.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

A retrovirus that infects T helper cells, leading to AIDS and opportunistic infections.

Retrovirus

A virus that uses reverse transcriptase to produce DNA from RNA.

Reverse Transcriptase

Enzyme that produces copies of viral DNA from viral RNA.

gp120

HIV glycoprotein that binds to the CD4 receptors on T helper cells.

Non-Specific Immune Response

General defense mechanisms against pathogens, including inflammation and phagocytosis.

Inflammation

Redness, heat, swelling, and pain in response to tissue damage and infection.

Phagocytosis

Engulfment and digestion of pathogens by phagocytes (macrophages, neutrophils).

Lysozyme

Enzyme in secretions that destroys bacteria by breaking down their cell walls.

Interferon

Protein produced by infected cells that inhibits virus replication in neighboring cells.

Specific Immune Response

Targeted response to specific antigens, involving T cells, B cells, and antibodies.

T Helper Cells

Activate B cells and T killer cells, coordinating the immune response.

T Killer Cells

Destroy infected cells by cell lysis.

Antibody

Quaternary glycoprotein (immunoglobulin) that binds to antigens on pathogens.

Active Immunity

Long-term immunity acquired through exposure to an antigen, triggering a specific immune response and producing memory cells.

Passive Immunity

Short-term immunity acquired through receiving antibodies from another source.

Vaccine

A substance containing dead or weakened pathogens to stimulate a primary immune response and provide artificial active immunity.

Bacteriostatic

Antibiotics that inhibit the growth or multiplication of bacteria.

Bactericidal

Antibiotics that kill bacteria cells by causing lysis.

Horizontal Gene Transfer

Transfer of genetic material between bacteria of the same generation (e.g., conjugation).

Vertical Gene Transfer

Transfer of genetic material from parent to offspring during binary fission.

Pre-mRNA Splicing

Removing introns and joining exons together in mRNA.

Alternative Splicing

Different exons are removed from mRNA to produce different mature mRNA sequences.