Microbiology Lecture on Microscopy and Microorganisms

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to microscopy and microorganisms as discussed in the microbiology lecture.

Ocular lens

The eyepiece of a microscope that remagnifies the image formed by the objective lens.

Gram Stain

A method of staining used to classify bacteria as Gram-positive or Gram-negative based on their cell wall structure.

Micrometer (μm)

A metric unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter.

Bacteriophage

A type of virus that infects and replicates within bacteria.

E. coli

A species of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals, often used as a model organism in microbiology.

Resolution

The ability of a microscope to distinguish two close objects as separate.

Magnification

The process of enlarging the appearance of an object using a microscope.

Condenser

A lens system in a microscope that focuses light onto the specimen.

Immersion oil

A type of oil used in microscopy to improve resolution by reducing light refraction.

Acid-fast bacteria

Bacteria that resist decolorization by acids during staining procedures, such as Mycobacterium species.

Special staining

Staining techniques used to visualize specific bacterial structures, such as endospores, capsules, and flagella.

Cocci

Spherical-shaped bacteria.

Rod

Bacillary-shaped bacteria.

Diaphragm

A component of a microscope that controls the amount of light entering the condenser.

Prion

A type of infectious agent composed primarily of protein that can cause neurodegenerative diseases.

Viroid

A type of infectious agent composed solely of a short strand of circular RNA without a protein coat.