Microbial Terminology

Flashcards covering key microbial terminology.

Species

A group of potentially interbreeding natural populations that is reproductively isolated from other groups.

Strain

The descendants of a single, pure microbial culture.

Isotonic

The solute concentration equals the cell.

Hypotonic

The concentration of solutes outside the cell is lower than inside the cell, causing solvent to move inside the cell, potentially leading to lysis.

Hypertonic

The concentration of solutes outside the cell is higher than inside the cell, causing solvent to move out of the cell and shrink it (plasmolysis).

Sepsis

Microbial contamination.

Asepsis

The absence of contamination.

Aseptic surgery techniques

Methods used to prevent microbial contamination of wounds.

Antisepsis

Prevention of infection of living tissue by microorganisms.

Sterilization

Destruction or removal of all viable organisms.

Disinfection

The killing, inhibition, or removal of disease-causing (pathogenic) organisms.

Disinfectants

Agents, usually chemical, used for disinfection, typically applied to inanimate objects.

Sanitization

Reduction of microbial population to levels deemed safe based on public health standards.