Microbiology Fundamentals: Genetic Engineering and Relative Microorganism Sizes

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definition of genetic engineering and the relative sizes and cellular classifications of microorganisms.

Genetic engineering

The process by which humans manipulate the genes of microorganisms.

Acellular

A category of microscopic infectious agents that lack cellular structure, encompassing prions and viruses.

Cellular

A category of microorganisms and living structures composed of cells, including bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes.

Prion

An acellular biological agent with an approximate relative size of $10\,\text{nm}$.

Virus

An acellular microorganism with an approximate relative size of $100\,\text{nm}$.

Bacterium / Archaeon

Cellular microorganisms with an approximate relative size of $1{,}000\,\text{nm}$ (or $1\,\mu\text{m}$).

Eukaryote

A complex cellular organism or cell with an approximate relative size of $10{,}000\,\text{nm}$ (or $10\,\mu\text{m}$).