(D) Biology Vocabulary: Viruses, Pathogens, and Immune Response

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts on viruses, pathogens, viral reproduction cycles, antibiotic resistance, and immune system terms.

Virus

A tiny infectious particle that can only reproduce inside a living host cell.

Bacteriophage

A virus that specifically infects and reproduces inside bacteria.

Pathogen

Any organism or agent, such as a virus, bacterium, fungus, or parasite, that causes disease.

Host

An organism or cell that provides resources for another organism or virus to live, grow, or reproduce.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to survive and continue growing despite the use of antibiotics designed to kill them.

Capsid

The protein coat that surrounds and protects a virus's genetic material.

Lytic Cycle

A viral reproductive cycle in which a virus takes over a host cell, makes new viruses, and causes the cell to burst open.

Lysogenic Cycle

A viral reproductive cycle in which viral DNA is inserted into the host cell's DNA and remains inactive before becoming active later.

Vaccine

A substance that helps the immune system recognize and fight a disease-causing pathogen by stimulating an immune response.

Antibody

A protein made by the immune system that recognizes and helps destroy specific pathogens.