Microbiota and Virology Review

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key vocabulary related to oral microbiota and virology, including definitions and concepts crucial for understanding the material.

Microbiota Oral

The collection of microorganisms that permanently colonize the oral cavity of healthy individuals and provide beneficial effects.

Ecology

The study of interactions between microorganisms and their environment, including how they coexist in the oral cavity.

Pathogenicity

The ability of microorganisms to cause disease in a host.

Adhesion

The process by which microorganisms attach to surfaces in the oral cavity.

Antagonistic Factors

Factors that inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms by promoting beneficial ones.

Bacteriophage

A virus that infects bacteria, replicating within them and often causing their destruction.

Infection

The invasion of a host organism by pathogenic microorganisms, leading to disease.

Virology

The study of viruses, including their structure, function, and effects on hosts.

Transfection

The process through which viral particles enter host cells to replicate.

Factors influencing Microbial Growth

Conditions such as pH, moisture, temperature, and nutrient availability that affect how microorganisms flourish.

Nutrients in the Gingival Sulcus

Nutritional sources for microorganisms, different from other oral structures, affecting their growth.

Viral Replication Process

The series of stages where a virus attaches, penetrates, synthesizes, assembles, and is released from the host cell.

Potential Consequences of Microbial Imbalance

Conditions like pulp infection or abscess formation that result from overgrowth of certain microorganisms.

Oral Microbiota Benefits

The roles of oral microorganisms in synthesizing vitamins and preventing pathogenic colonization.

Specificity of Viral Infection

The tendency of viruses to infect specific types of host cells, reflecting a diverse range of interactions.

Capsid

The protein shell surrounding the viral genome, facilitating the virus's entry into host cells.

Viral Genetic Material

The DNA or RNA contained within a viral particle that directs its replication in host cells.