Foundations of Microbiology

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions from the Foundations of Microbiology course to assist students in preparing for their exam.

Microorganism

An organism that is too small to be seen with the unaided eye, typically single-celled.

Microbe

Any organism that is microscopic, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.

Microbiota

The collection of microorganisms living in and on the body, which maintain good health.

Microbiome

All the microorganisms and their genomes present in a specific environment, especially the human body.

Pathogen

A microorganism that causes disease.

Probiotics

Beneficial microorganisms that promote health, often found in fermented foods.

Germ

A common term for microorganisms, particularly pathogens.

Virus

A microscopic infectious agent that can only replicate inside a living host cell.

Bacteria

Single-celled microorganisms that can be beneficial or pathogenic.

Fungi

A kingdom of microorganisms that includes yeasts and molds, some of which can cause disease.

Protozoa

Single-celled eukaryotic organisms that can be free-living or parasitic.

Algae

Photosynthetic organisms found in water environments, which can form harmful algal blooms.

Multicellular Animal Parasites

Organisms such as flatworms and roundworms that live in host organisms.

Biogenesis

The hypothesis stating that living cells arise only from preexisting living cells.

Spontaneous Generation

The disproven hypothesis that life can arise from nonliving matter.

Scientific Nomenclature

A system of naming organisms, typically composed of a genus and species name.

Genus

The first part of a scientific name, which is always capitalized.

Specific Epithet

The second part of a scientific name, which is not capitalized and often descriptive.

E. coli

A bacterium whose name honors scientist Theodor Escherich and indicates its habitat in the large intestine.

Antibiotics

Medicines that inhibit the growth of or kill bacteria.

Insulin

A hormone used in diabetes treatment, produced using genetically modified bacteria.

Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs)

Newly identified diseases or diseases that are increasing in incidence.

Antimicrobial Resistance

The ability of microbes to resist the effects of drugs that once treated them effectively.

Vaccines

Biological preparations that provide immunity to a particular infectious disease.

Infectious Disease

A disease caused by pathogens invading and overcoming the host's immune defenses.

Food Spoilage

Decomposition that affects the quality and safety of food, often prevented by microorganisms.

Biotechnology

The use of living systems and organisms to develop products, including medicines.

Fermentation

A metabolic process converting sugar to acids, gases or alcohol, utilized in food production.

Clinical Medicine

The practice of medicine involving direct patient care and treatment.

Pharmaceutical Research

The study and development of new drugs and therapies.

Microbial Ecology

The study of the relationship between microorganisms and their environment.

Incidence

The occurrence rate of new cases of a disease in a population.

Direct Transmission

The immediate transfer of pathogens from one host to another.

Vector-Borne Diseases

Diseases transmitted through vectors like insects.

Laboratory Assessment

The analysis and testing of samples to understand diseases.

Scientific Discovery

The process of obtaining new knowledge through research and experimentation.

Health Care Professional

An individual trained to provide medical and therapeutic services.

Clinical Trials

Research studies performed on humans to test new drugs or treatments.

Patient Care

The services and support provided to patients, including treatment and emotional support.