Humans and the Microbial World

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms from the lecture on microbiology, aiding in understanding and retention for the exam.

Acellular

Referring to structures that are not composed of cells, such as viruses.

Biogenesis

The principle that living organisms arise from pre-existing living organisms.

Coccus

A spherical-shaped bacterium.

Eukaryotic

Cells that have a membrane-bound nucleus and organelles.

Prokaryotic

Cells that do not have a membrane-bound nucleus.

Germ Theory of Disease

The theory that microorganisms are the cause of many diseases.

Microbiome

The total genetic content of the microbial communities that inhabit a particular environment, including the human body.

Endospores

A heat-resistant form of bacteria that can survive extreme conditions.

Spontaneous Generation

The discredited belief that life can arise from non-living material.

Helminths

Parasitic worms that live at the expense of a host.