Control of Microbial Growth

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminology related to the control of microbial growth, including methods of sterilization, disinfection, and various microbial control agents.

Sterilization

The process of making something free of all microorganisms, including endospores.

Disinfection

The elimination of most pathogens, where some viable microbes may remain, often using disinfectants on inanimate objects.

Antiseptics

Chemicals used on living tissues to reduce the possibility of infection.

Pasteurization

A brief heat treatment to reduce spoilage organisms without changing the food's characteristics.

Decontamination

The reduction of pathogens to a level considered safe, often involving washing with heat or chemicals.

Sanitized

A substantially reduced microbial population meeting accepted health standards.

Bactericide

A chemical agent that kills bacteria but generally does not destroy endospores.

Virucide

A chemical that inactivates viruses.

Germicide

Chemical agents that kill microorganisms.

Bacteristatic

Agents that prevent the growth of bacteria.

Microbial Death

A state when a cell can no longer reproduce under ideal environmental conditions.

Filtration

A physical method employed to remove microbes from fluids and air.

Ionizing Radiation

Radiation that ejects orbital electrons from atoms, used to sterilize by damaging DNA.

Halogens

A group of disinfectants including chlorine and iodine, effective in destroying microbes.

Alcohols

Common antiseptics that denature proteins and damage membranes, effective against vegetative bacteria.

Phenolics

Disinfectants with a long history of use that destroy plasma membranes and denature proteins.

Preservation

Methods used to delay spoilage of perishable items, often involving growth-inhibiting substances.

Desiccation

Drying or reducing water availability to inhibit microbial growth.

Sporocide

A type of sterilant that destroys bacterial endospores.

Low-level disinfectants

Disinfectants that remove fungi, vegetative bacteria, and enveloped viruses, but not endospores.

Microbistatic

Materials used to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in the body.

Environmental risk

Considerations involving the safety of chemical agents on the environment.

Toxicity

The degree to which a substance can damage living tissues or organisms.