Control of Microbial Growth

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to the control of microbial growth, including methods of sterilization, disinfection, and the characteristics of different antimicrobial agents.

Sterilization

Complete removal or destruction of all microbes and viruses, used on inanimate objects.

Disinfection

Process that destroys most microbes (vegetative cells) on non-living surfaces, mainly using chemical methods.

Antisepsis

Destruction of most microbes on living surfaces, primarily through chemical methods.

Decontamination

Mechanical removal of most microbes from surfaces when sterilization or disinfection is not required.

D-value

Time required to kill 90% of the microbial population.

Prions

Infectious agents composed of protein, associated with diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, resistant to conventional sterilization.

Microbial Death Curve

Graphical representation of the number of microbial cells over time, illustrating the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments.

Halogens

Group of chemical agents like chlorine and iodine that denature proteins and are effective against a wide range of microorganisms.

Alcohols

Antimicrobial agents that dissolve lipid membranes and denature proteins, most effective in 70% solution.

Surfactants

Amphipathic molecules like soaps and detergents that disrupt microbial membranes and aid in mechanical removal of microbes.