Brock Biology of Microorganisms - Microbial Growth and Its Control

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary related to microbial growth and its control from the Brock Biology of Microorganisms lecture.

Macronutrients

Nutrients required in large amounts for microbial growth.

Micronutrients

Nutrients required in minute amounts, often trace metals and growth factors.

Heterotrophs

Organisms that require organic carbon sources for growth.

Autotrophs

Organisms that synthesize organic compounds from carbon dioxide (CO2).

Viable Count

Measurement of the living, reproducing population of microorganisms.

Pure Cultures

Cultures consisting of a single microbe, free from contamination by others.

Aseptic Technique

Method to prevent contamination during the transfer of microbes.

Cardinal Temperatures

The minimum, optimum, and maximum temperatures at which an organism grows.

Biofilm

A community of microorganisms attached to a surface in a protective polysaccharide matrix.

Continuous Culture

An open system where nutrients are continuously supplied while waste is removed.

Halophiles

Microorganisms that thrive in high salt concentrations.

Oligodynamic Effect

The antimicrobial effect of metals like silver and copper due to their ability to disrupt microbial cells.

Superoxide Dismutase

An enzyme that breaks down toxic superoxide radicals in aerobic organisms.

Antiseptics

Substances that inhibit microbial growth on living tissues.

Disinfectants

Chemical agents that kill or inhibit microorganisms on inanimate surfaces.

Sterilization

The process of destroying all forms of microbial life.

Turbidimetric Measures

Estimates of microbial growth based on the turbidity (cloudiness) of a culture.

Tolerant Anaerobes

Microorganisms that can tolerate the presence of oxygen but do not require it.