Microbial Growth and Control

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on microbial growth and control, focusing on definitions and important processes.

Preferred Temperature Range

Classification of microbes based on their optimal growth temperatures.

Osmotic Pressure

The pressure required to prevent the flow of a solvent into a solution, important for microbial growth.

Aerobes

Microbes that require oxygen for growth and possess mechanisms to avoid damage from toxic forms of oxygen.

Biofilm

A structured community of microbial cells embedded in a self-produced polymeric matrix, often associated with infections.

Chemically Defined Media

Growth mediums consisting of known quantities of specific chemicals for culturing microbes.

Anaerobic Techniques

Methods used to grow microorganisms in an environment devoid of oxygen.

Biosafety Levels

Categories of safety requirements for laboratories handling pathogens, ranging from BSL-1 (low risk) to BSL-4 (high risk).

Colony

A visible mass of cells originating from a single mother cell.

Binary Fission

A method of asexual reproduction in bacteria where one cell divides into two.

Direct Methods of Measuring Growth

Techniques such as viable cell counts and membrane filtration to assess bacterial population.

Sterilization

The process of removing or killing all microbial life, including spores.

Disinfection

The destruction of harmful microorganisms on non-living surfaces.

Antisepsis

The application of substances to living tissue to prevent infection by eliminating harmful microorganisms.

Biocide

An agent that kills living organisms.

Damage to Cellular Structures

Effects of microbial control agents that include altering membrane permeability and damaging proteins.

Moist Heat Sterilization

A method of sterilization that uses steam under pressure to kill microorganisms.

Filtration

A physical method to remove microbes from liquids or air by passing them through a filter.

Desiccation

The drying out of cells, inhibiting its metabolism and growth.

Ionizing Radiation

A form of electromagnetic radiation that damages DNA and kills cells.

Use-Dilution Test

A test to determine the effectiveness of disinfectants against specific bacteria.

Germicide

A chemical agent that kills harmful microorganisms.

Halogens

Chemical agents such as iodine and chlorine used in disinfectants.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds

A class of disinfectants that disrupt the plasma membrane of microbes.