Basic and Applied Sciences in Microbiology

These flashcards cover the key terms and concepts related to Basic and Applied Sciences in Microbiology, suitable for exam preparation.

Microbiology

The study of microorganisms and agents too small to be seen clearly by an unaided eye.

Fungi

Microscopic eukaryotic forms, including molds and yeasts.

Phycology

The study of algae, which are simple aquatic organisms.

Bacteriology

The study of bacteria, the smallest and simplest single-celled prokaryotic organisms.

Mycology

The study of fungi.

Protozoology

The study of protozoans, mostly single-celled eukaryotic organisms.

Virology

The study of viruses, infectious agents with either DNA or RNA.

Parasitology

The study of parasitism and parasites, including protozoa and helminths.

Binary fission

A method of asexual reproduction in bacteria.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, infectious agent that affects the immune system.

Agricultural Microbiology

Study of relationships between microbes and crops.

Food Microbiology

Interaction of microorganisms and food relating to spoilage and diseases.

Dairy Microbiology

Study of microorganisms in dairy product production.

Industrial Microbiology

Use of microbes in the production of drugs and foods.

Marine Microbiology

Study of microorganisms in marine environments.

Epidemiology

The study of how diseases spread in populations.

Spontaneous Generation

The theory that life arises from non-living matter.

Biogenesis

The theory that living organisms arise from existing living organisms.

Koch's Postulates

Criteria established to demonstrate that a specific organism can cause a disease.

Louis Pasteur

Scientist who disproved spontaneous generation and formulated principles of vaccination.

Alexander Fleming

Discovery of penicillin, the first true antibiotic.

Joseph Erlanger

Contributed to understanding of nervous system function.

Hermann J. Muller

Discovered that X-rays could induce mutations.

Robert Koch

Formulated methods to link specific pathogens to specific diseases.

Typhus

An infectious disease often transmitted by lice.

Penicillin

An antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.

Acellular

Referring to entities like viruses that are not composed of cells.

Pathogen

An organism that can cause disease.

Culture

A method for growing microorganisms in a controlled environment.

Microbial growth

The increase in the number of microorganisms.

Helminths

Parasitic worms that can infect animals and humans.

Swan Neck Flask Experiment

Pasteur's experiment demonstrating that sterilized broth does not develop microbial growth if protected from air.

Mutagenesis

The process of inducing mutations in organisms.

Vaccine

A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular disease.

Antitoxin

A substance that acts against specific toxins.

Epidemiology and Public Health Microbiology

The study of microbe interactions with health in communities.

Biotechnology

The manipulation of living organisms or their components to develop useful products.

Maggots

Larvae of flies, historically used to demonstrate aspects of decay.

Nutrient Broth

A liquid medium for growing microorganisms.

Microorganism

A microscopic organism, which may be a bacterium, virus, or fungus.

Helicobacter pylori

Bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers.

R. prowazekii

The causative agent of epidemic typhus.

Food Spoilage

The process by which food deteriorates, making it unsafe or unpalatable.

Streptomycin

An antibiotic effective against tuberculosis.

Glycogen

A form of stored glucose, important for energy provision.

Interbrain

Part of the brain that coordinates internal organ functions.

Aristotle

Historically proposed that life can arise from non-living matter.

Bacillus anthracis

The bacterium that causes anthrax.

Amiba colli

A type of protozoan.

Candida albicans

A type of fungus that can cause infection in humans.

Pseudopods

Temporary projections of eukaryotic cells or unicellular organisms.