microbiology

Prokaryotic Cells

Single-celled organisms without a nucleus; they include bacteria and archaea.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles; they can be unicellular or multicellular.

Macromolecules

Large molecules essential for life, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Ribosomes

Cell structures that synthesize proteins by translating messenger RNA.

Mitochondria

Organelles in eukaryotic cells that produce energy (ATP) through cellular respiration and are thought to originate from a symbiotic relationship with a bacteria.

Chloroplasts

Organelles found in plant cells that conduct photosynthesis, originating from symbiotic green algae.

Viruses

Acellular entities that consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat, requiring a host cell to reproduce.

Prions

Misfolded proteins that can cause neurodegenerative diseases by inducing other normal proteins to misfold.

Human Microbiome Project

A research initiative aimed at sequencing and identifying the microbiota present in the human body.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of drugs that once killed them or inhibited their growth.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Diseases that have recently appeared within a population or have existed but are rapidly increasing in incidence or geographic range.

Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER)

Membrane-bound organelle involved in protein and lipid synthesis.

Bacteria

Single-celled prokaryotic microorganisms that can be beneficial or pathogenic.

Archaea

Single-celled prokaryotes distinct from bacteria, often found in extreme environments.

Nucleus

Membrane-bound organelle in eukaryotic cells that contains genetic material.

Genetic Engineering

The direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology.

Pathogenic Microbes

Microorganisms that cause diseases in their hosts.

Germ Theory of Disease

The scientific theory that germs (microorganisms) are the cause of many diseases.

Eukarya

One of the three domains of life, consisting of all organisms with eukaryotic cells.

Cell Membrane

A biological membrane that separates and protects the interior of cells from the external environment.

Cell Theory

A fundamental concept in biology stating that all living things are composed of cells and that cells are the basic units of life.

Diurnal Patterns

Regular fluctuations in biological or behavioral processes over a 24-hour cycle.

Autotrophic

Organisms capable of synthesizing their own food from inorganic substances.