Bacteria and Virus

Virus

A non-living particle made of proteins, nucleic acids, and sometimes lipids; can only reproduce by infecting cells.

Capsid

The protein coat surrounding a virus, which binds to receptor proteins to trick the cell and let the virus in.

Bacteriophage

Viruses that infect bacteria.

Viral infection

The process in which a virus uses genetic information to reproduce once inside a cell.

Lytic infection

A type of viral infection where a virus enters a bacterial cell, makes copies of itself, and causes the cell to burst.

Lysogenic infection

A type of viral infection where viral DNA is replicated with host DNA and doesn't immediately damage the host cell.

Prophage

Bacteriophage DNA that is embedded in the host's DNA.

Retrovirus

A virus that copies genetic information from RNA to DNA.

Parasite

All viruses, which depend entirely on other living organisms.

Prokaryotes

Unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus, such as bacteria or archaea.

Bacteria

Microorganisms that are almost everywhere, belonging to the larger of the two domains, with a wide range of organisms.

Archaea

Microorganisms that live in harsh environments, similar to bacteria but lacking peptidoglycan and having different DNA.

Bacilli

Rod-shaped bacteria.

Cocci

Spherical bacteria.

Spirilla

Spiral-shaped bacteria.

Binary fission

The process in which a prokaryote grows to twice its size and then splits into two identical cells.

Endospore

A thick internal wall that encloses DNA and some cytoplasm in bacteria.

Anaerobes

Prokaryotes that thrive in oxygen-free environments.

Mutation

Random changes in DNA.

Conjugation

The process in which a hollow bridge forms between two bacterial cells, allowing genetic material to move from one to another.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead organisms to maintain equilibrium.

Producers

Organisms that create food and biomass, serving as the first link in food chains.

Nitrogen fixers

Some producers that convert nitrogen (N2) into useful forms, such as ammonia.

Pathogens

Disease-causing agents.

Controlling bacteria methods

Methods such as physical removal, disinfectants, food storage, food processing, and heat sterilization used to control bacteria.

Vaccine

A preparation of weakened or killed pathogens, or inactivated toxins, used to stimulate an immune response and provide immunity against specific diseases.

Antibiotics

Substances that block the growth and reproduction of bacteria.

Emerging disease

An unknown or harder to control disease that is newly identified or increasing in incidence.

Superbug

A bacteria that is resistant to multiple antibiotics.

Prions

Protein infectious particles.