Microbio

Bacterial Nomenclature

Classification of bacteria into groups, genera, species, and strains.

Bacillus

Rod-shaped bacteria.

Coccus

Spherical-shaped bacteria.

Spirillum

Corkscrew-shaped bacteria.

Vibrio

Curved rod-shaped bacteria.

Aseptic Techniques

Methods to prevent contamination in microbiological work.

Disinfect Work Area

Cleaning surfaces to eliminate potential contaminants.

Viable Cell Count

Counting only living cells that can reproduce.

Macronutrients

Nutrients required in large amounts for cell structure and metabolism.

Micronutrients

Nutrients required in small quantities to aid enzyme function.

Culture Media

Nutrient solutions used for growing microbes.

Defined Media

Culture media with known components and concentrations.

Complex Media

Culture media with unknown ingredients or concentrations.

Peptones

Water-soluble proteins used in culture media.

Gram Staining

A method to classify bacteria based on cell wall properties.

Gram Positive

Bacteria with a thick peptidoglycan layer, appearing purple in gram staining.

Gram Negative

Bacteria with a thin peptidoglycan layer, appearing red in gram staining.

Kirby-Bauer Method

A test to determine bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics.

Narrow-Spectrum Antibiotics

Antibiotics that target a limited range of bacteria.

Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics

Antibiotics that affect a wide variety of bacteria.

Obligate Aerobe

Bacteria that require oxygen for growth.

Facultative Anaerobe

Bacteria that can grow with or without oxygen.

Strict Anaerobe

Bacteria that cannot tolerate oxygen.

Autotroph

Organisms that produce organic molecules from inorganic sources.

Heterotroph

Organisms that consume organic matter produced by others.

Photoautotroph

Organisms that use sunlight to synthesize food from carbon dioxide.

Chemoautotroph

Organisms that obtain energy from the oxidation of inorganic compounds.

Catalase Test

A biochemical assay to detect the presence of the enzyme catalase.

Starch Hydrolysis Test

A test to detect the presence of enzymes that break down starch.

Urease Test

A test to determine the ability to hydrolyze urea into ammonia.