Microbiology: Bacteria and Antibiotic Resistance

Flashcards related to microbiology, specifically focusing on bacterial characteristics, biofilms, antibiotic actions, and resistance mechanisms.

Biofilm

A community of microorganisms attached to a surface, often encased in a protective extracellular polymeric substance.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to survive and grow in the presence of an antibiotic that would normally inhibit or kill them.

Pathogenic Bacteria

Bacteria that can cause disease, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Staphylococcus aureus.

Gram-positive bacteria

Bacteria that retain the crystal violet stain used in the gram staining procedure, appearing purple under a microscope.

Gram-negative bacteria

Bacteria that do not retain the crystal violet stain in the gram staining procedure and appear pink due to a thin peptidoglycan layer.

Taq DNA Polymerase

A heat-resistant enzyme sourced from Thermus aquaticus, crucial for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) processes.

Antimicrobial Agents

Substances produced by microorganisms that kill or inhibit the growth of other microorganisms.

Efflux Pump

A mechanism in some bacteria that expels antibiotics or toxic compounds out of cells, contributing to antibiotic resistance.

Bacteremia

A medical condition where bacteria are present in the blood, potentially leading to severe complications.

E. coli

Escherichia coli, a bacterium that normally lives in the intestines but can cause infections if pathogenic strains are present.

Staphylococcus aureus

A common bacterium that can cause various infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.

Bactericidal Antibiotics

Antibiotics that kill bacteria.

Bacteriostatic Antibiotics

Antibiotics that inhibit bacterial growth but do not kill bacteria.

Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS)

A protective slime layer that encases biofilms, providing structural support and environmental protection.

Narrow Spectrum Antibiotic

Antibiotics that are effective against a specific group of bacteria.

Broad Spectrum Antibiotic

Antibiotics that are effective against a wide range of bacteria.

Pharmacology

The branch of medicine that focuses on drugs and their effects on the body.