Chapter 1 Study Guide: The Microbial World and You

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions related to microbiology, focusing on key concepts, figures, and theories discussed in Chapter 1.

Microbes

Very small organisms that are often too small to be seen with the naked eye; include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and microscopic algae.

Epidemic

The rapid spread of disease to a large number of hosts in a given population within a short period of time.

Meningitis

An infection/inflammation of the membranes enveloping the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges.

Pandemic

The worldwide spread of a new disease.

Cholera

A severe bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration, which can be deadly.

Staphylococcus aureus

A Gram-positive spherically shaped bacterium often found in the upper respiratory tract and skin; can be opportunistic pathogen.

Cell Theory

The theory that all living things are composed of cells.

Biogenesis

The hypothesis that living cells arise only from pre-existing living cells.

Spontaneous Generation

The outdated hypothesis that life could arise from non-living matter.

Pasteurization

A process that involves heating liquids at high temperatures for short amounts of time to kill harmful microbes.

Germ Theory

The theory that diseases are caused by microorganisms.

Vaccines

Biological agents that elicit an immune response to a specific antigen derived from a disease-causing pathogen.

Synthetic Drugs

Drugs synthesized specifically to target and kill certain microbes without harming the host.

Recombinant DNA Technology

A method to manipulate and isolate DNA segments, often used in genetic engineering.

Biofilms

Complex aggregations of microbes that may attach to solid surfaces, providing beneficial or harmful effects.

Infectious Disease

A disease resulting from the invasion of pathogens in a susceptible host.

Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs)

Diseases that are newly identified or increasing in incidence; may relate to ecological changes or modern transportation.

Koch's Postulates

A series of criteria used to establish a causal relationship between a microbe and a specific disease.

Aseptic Technique

Procedures performed under sterile conditions to prevent contamination by pathogens.

Human Microbiome

The collection of bacteria and microorganisms living stably in and on the human body, essential for health.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process by which certain bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by plants and animals.