Controlling Microbial Growth

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to controlling microbial growth, including different methods, characteristics, and effectiveness of various agents.

Sterilization

Removal of all microbial life.

Commercial Sterilization

Killing of C. botulinum endospores.

Disinfection

Removal of pathogens from surfaces.

Antisepsis

Removal of pathogens from living tissue.

Degerming

Removal of microbes from a limited area.

Sanitization

Lowering microbial counts on eating utensils.

Biocide/Germicide

Substances that kill microbes.

Bacteriostasis

Inhibiting the growth of microbes without killing them.

Logarithmic Rate of Death

Bacterial populations die at a constant logarithmic rate.

Moist Heat

Method that denatures proteins to control microbial growth.

Pasteurization

Heat treatment to reduce spoilage organisms and pathogens.

Dry Heat Sterilization

Kills microbes by oxidation, such as flaming or incineration.

Filtration

Physical method that removes microbes by trapping them in a filter.

Radiation

Damages DNA; includes ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.

Effective Disinfection

Depends on concentration of disinfectant, presence of organic matter, pH, and time.

Use-dilution test

Method for evaluating a disinfectant's effectiveness.

Phenolics

Chemical agents that disrupt plasma membranes.

Halogens

Strong oxidizers that denature proteins.

Aldehydes

Inactivate proteins by cross-linking with functional groups.

Gaseous Sterilants

Denature proteins and are used for sterilizing hospital equipment.

Microbial Resistance

Categorization of microbial characteristics based on their resistance to control methods.