Untitled Flashcards Set

Virus

A non-living infectious agent made of genetic material enclosed in a protein coat, incapable of self-reproduction.

Capsid

The protein coat that encloses the genetic material of a virus.

Virus

A non-living infectious agent made of genetic material enclosed in a protein coat, incapable of self-reproduction.

Capsid

The protein coat that encloses the genetic material of a virus.

Obligate intracellular parasite

An organism that can only replicate within a host cell.

Lytic Cycle

A viral replication cycle where the virus rapidly produces new viruses, causing the host cell to burst.

Lysogenic Cycle

A viral replication cycle where viral DNA integrates into the host genome and remains dormant until becoming active.

Vaccines

Substances that expose the immune system to a harmless form of a virus to build immunity.

Antibiotics

Medications that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, but do not work on viruses.

Binary Fission

The most common method of bacterial reproduction where a single bacterium divides into two identical daughter cells.

Eubacteria

True bacteria that are found everywhere, classified under the kingdom Monera.

Archaebacteria

Bacteria that live in extreme environments, such as hot springs and deep-sea vents.

Pili

Hair-like structures on bacteria used for attachment and genetic material exchange.

Flagella

Tail-like structures used by bacteria for movement.

Conjugation

A method of genetic variation in bacteria where two bacteria connect and transfer genetic material.

Transformation

A method where bacteria pick up free DNA from the environment to increase genetic diversity.

Transduction

The process of transferring DNA from one bacterium to another via viruses (bacteriophages).

Nitrogen Fixation

The process by which certain bacteria convert nitrogen gas into forms usable by plants.

Decomposers

Bacteria that break down organic matter and recycle nutrients in the ecosystem.

Pathogens

Harmful bacteria that cause diseases and infections in humans and other organisms.

Antibiotic resistance

The ability of bacteria to resist the effects of antibiotics, often caused by overuse.

Bioremediation

The use of bacteria to clean up environmental contaminants, such as oil spills.

Pasteurization

A process of heating liquids to kill harmful bacteria, commonly used in food safety.

Influenza virus

A specific virus covered by a lipid envelope, responsible for the flu.

Genetic material in viruses

Can be either DNA or RNA, enclosed in the virus’s capsid.

Viral replication cycle

The process through which a virus reproduces inside a host cell, involving attachment, entry, replication, assembly, and release.

Antiviral drugs

Medications that slow down the replication of viruses but do not cure infections.

E. coli

A well-known type of eubacteria found in the intestines of humans and animals.

Lactobacillus

A beneficial bacterium that aids in digestion and is used in food production like yogurt.

Clostridium botulinum

A harmful bacterium that produces botulism toxins.

DNA (Nucleoid Region)

The genetic material in bacteria, usually a single, circular chromosome.

Plasma Membrane

The cell structure that controls the movement of substances in and out of the bacterial cell.

Cytoplasm

The gel-like substance within a bacterial cell that contains enzymes and ribosomes.

Cell Wall

A rigid structure that provides protection and shape to bacterial cells.

Virus mutation

The rapid change in viral genetic material that complicates treatment and vaccine development.

Flu vaccines

Vaccines specifically designed to build immunity against influenza viruses.