MI Unit 1 Test

ELISA

Enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay; a quantitative in vitro test for antibodies or antigens.

Antibody

A protein secreted by plasma cells that binds to a specific antigen and marks it for elimination.

DNA Sequencing

The process by which scientists determine the precise order of nucleotides within a DNA molecule.

Cycle Sequencing

A method that isolates DNA, produces fragments differing by a single base, and identifies bases using fluorescently tagged nucleotides.

PCR

Polymerase chain reaction; a method to isolate and replicate specific DNA segments from bacteria and viruses.

BLAST

Basic local alignment search tool; used to compare genetic sequences.

Solvent

A substance that dissolves a solute.

Substrate

The reactant on which an enzyme works.

Gram Positive

Type of bacteria with a thicker peptidoglycan layer, appearing purple; typically no endotoxins.

Gram Negative

Type of bacteria with an outer membrane, harder to kill, appearing pink.

Beta Lactams

Antibiotics that interrupt bacterial cell-wall formation by stopping the creation of peptidoglycans.

Tetracyclines

Antibiotics that inhibit bacterial growth by stopping tRNA from attaching during translation.

Fluoroquinolones

Antibiotics that stop DNA replication by inhibiting DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV.

Sulfa Antibiotics

Antibiotics that block the ability of bacteria to use folic acid for biosynthesis.

Outer Ear

Part of the ear that includes the visible part and auditory canal; stops before the tympanic membrane.

Tympanic Membrane

Separates outer ear from middle ear; transmits vibrations to the ossicles.

Ossicles

Three small bones in the middle ear that transmit vibrations from the outer ear to the inner ear.

Cochlea

Transduces sound waves into electrical impulses.

Eustachian Tube

Equalizes air pressure in the ear.

Semicircular Canal

Structure in the ear that helps maintain balance.

Malleus

A bone in the middle ear that transmits vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear.

Incus

A bone that transmits vibrations from the malleus to the stapes.

Stapes

The smallest bone in the body, transmitting sound vibrations from the incus to the oval window.

Tensor Tympani

A muscle that dampens loud sounds.

Pinna

The visible part of the ear that picks up sound waves.

Auditory Canal

The external acoustic meatus that helps amplify sound.

Oval Window

Transmits sound vibrations from the middle ear to the inner ear.

Vestibule

Part of the ear that helps maintain balance and detects changes in gravity.

Sensory Hair Cells

Cells that convert mechanical stimuli into electrical impulses.

Cochlear Nerve

Transfers auditory information from the cochlea to the brain.

Vestibular Nerve

Nerve that detects balance.

Conjugation

The one-way transfer of DNA between bacteria in cellular contact.

Transformation

The uptake and expression of foreign DNA by a cell.

Transduction

Transfer of genetic material from one organism to another by a genetic vector.

Bacterial Mutation

Heritable change in a property of a bacterial cell based on alteration of its DNA sequence.

Inactivation

Methods resulting in termination of bacterial growth by damaging DNA or protein synthesis.

Efflux

The process by which bacteria transport potentially toxic compounds outside of themselves.

Recombinant DNA

A DNA molecule made in vitro with segments from different sources.

Attenuated Vaccine

A type of vaccine that uses a live but weakened form of the virus.

Killed Vaccine

A type of vaccine made from pathogens that have been killed or inactivated.

Toxoid Vaccine

A vaccine that uses inactivated toxins to elicit an immune response.

Subunit Vaccine

A vaccine that includes only parts of the virus or bacteria.

Naked DNA Vaccine

A vaccine that includes direct introduction of genetically engineered DNA into the host.

Restriction Enzymes

Molecular scissors used to cut DNA at specific sequences.

DNA Ligase

An enzyme that joins two DNA strands together by forming a covalent bond.

Serial Dilution

A stepwise dilution of a substance in solution.

Mesosome

A fold in the bacterial cell membrane that is involved in cell division.

Order of Sound Transmission

Sound waves enter, cause eardrum vibrations, ossicles move, and provoke cochlear fluid motion leading to electrical impulses.

Cochlear Implant (CI)

A device that provides a sense of sound to a person with profound hearing loss.

Hearing Aid (HA)

A device that amplifies sound for individuals with hearing loss.

Hearing Assistive Technology (HAT)

Technologies that assist with hearing, often used in educational settings.