KU Micro exam 3 funke

Genetic engineering

The direct manipulation or modification of an organism's DNA using biotechnology.

Recombinant DNA

DNA created by combining genetic material from two or more different sources or organisms.

Transgenic organism

An organism that contains a gene from another species inserted into its genome.

Restriction enzymes (endonucleases)

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific sequences. (cut)

Recognition sites

Specific DNA sequences where restriction enzymes bind and cut.

Ligases

Enzymes that join DNA fragments together by forming bonds between them. (glue)

Plasmids and DNA vectors

A USB drive for genes

Transformation & transfection

The process of introducing foreign DNA into a cell (transformation usually in bacteria; transfection in eukaryotic cells).

Electrophoresis

A technique used to separate DNA fragments by size using an electric current through a gel. (DNA sorting by size)

Reverse-transcription

The process of converting RNA into complementary DNA (cDNA).

Reverse transcriptase

An enzyme that synthesizes DNA from an RNA template.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)

A technique used to amplify (make many copies of) a specific DNA segment. (copy machine)

RT-PCR

A method that first converts RNA into DNA using reverse transcription and then amplifies it using PRC.

DNA sequencing

The process of determining the exact order of nucleotides in a DNA molecule.

Gene therapy

A technique that treats or prevents disease by inserting or modifying genes in a person's cells.

Disinfectants

Chemical agents used to kill or reduce microorganisms on non-living surfaces. (Used on objects/surfaces) (Chemicals for surfaces)

Antiseptics

Chemical agents used to kill or inhibit microorganisms on living tissues (Chemicals for skin).

Sterilants

Chemical or physical agents that destroy all microorganisms, including spores and viruses.

Fomites

Inanimate objects that can carry and transmit pathogens (ex: doorknobs, phones).

Autoclave

A device that uses steam under high pressure and temperature to sterilize equipment. (Sterilization - kills everything)

BSL

A set of safety guidelines and containment precautions used when working with microorganisms.

Aseptic

Free of contamination by unwanted microorganisms. (Prevent contamination)

Sterile

Completely free of all living microorganisms, including spores. (Nothing is alive)

Degermination

The removal of microbes from a limited area, usually skin (ex: alcohol wipe before an injection).

Cidal

An agent that kills microorganisms (ex: bactericidal). (Homicide (kills))

Static

An agent that stops microbial growth but does not kill the microbes (ex: bacteriostatic). (Stays the same but growth stops) (stable)

Pasteurization

A heat treatment that reduces harmful microorganisms in foods and liquids without sterilizing them. (Reduces microbes in foods and liquids but does not sterilize)

D-value (D.R.V.)

The time required to kill 90% of a microbial population at a specific temperature.

Anti-microbial

A substance that kills or inhibits the growth of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites).

Antibiotic

A drug used specifically to treat bacterial infections.

Penicillin

A beta-lactam antibiotic that prevents bacteria from forming cell walls.

Beta-lactam

A class of antibiotics that contain a beta-lactam ring and inhibit bacterial cell wall synthesis.

Narrow spectrum

An antibiotic that targets only a limited group of bacteria.

Broad spectrum

An antibiotic that targets a wide range of bacteria.

Drugs

Chemical substances used to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease.

Superinfection

A new infection that occurs after normal microbiota are disrupted by antibiotics.

Dosage

The amount of medication given at one time or over a specific period.

Route of administration

The method by which a drug is delivered (e.g., oral, IV, topical).

Selective toxicity

The ability of a drug to harm microorganisms without harming the host.

Mode of action

The specific way a drug works to kill or inhibit a microorganism.

Antifungal

A drug that kills or inhibits the growth of fungi.

Anti-helminthic

A drug used to treat infections caused by parasitic worms.

Anti-protozoan

A drug that treats infections caused by protozoa (single-celled parasites).

Anti-viral

A drug that inhibits the replication of viruses.

Drug resistant

The ability of a microorganism to survive or grow despite the presence of a drug that would normally kill it.

Mechanisms susceptibility testing

Laboratory methods used to determine whether a microorganism is sensitive or resistant to specific antimicrobial drugs.

Antimicrobial drug discovery

The process of identifying and developing new drugs to treat microbial infections.

Disease

An abnormal condition that impairs normal body function.

Infection

Invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in the body.

Sign

An objective, observable indication of disease (e.g., rash, fever).

Symptom

A subjective feeling of illness reported by the patient (e.g., pain, fatigue).

Syndrome

A group of signs and symptoms that occur together.

Asymptomatic

Showing no noticeable symptoms of disease.

Infectious

Capable of causing infection.

Communicable

Able to be transmitted from one person to another.

Contagious

Easily spread through direct or indirect contact.

Portals of entry & exit

Routes by which pathogens enter and leave the body (e.g., respiratory tract, blood).

Nosocomial / HAI

Infections acquired in a hospital or healthcare setting.

Zoonotic disease

A disease transmitted from animals to humans.

Incubation

Time between exposure to a pathogen and onset of symptoms.

Prodromal

Early stage of disease with mild, nonspecific symptoms.

Illness

Stage when disease signs and symptoms are most severe.

Decline

Stage when symptoms begin to subside.

Convalescence

Recovery stage when the body returns to normal.

Acute

Short-term disease with rapid onset.

Chronic

Long-lasting disease that develops slowly.

Latent

Infection that remains inactive but may reactivate later.

Primary infections

The initial infection in a healthy person.

Secondary infections

A new infection that occurs after or because of a primary infection.

Etiology

The cause of a disease.

Pathogenicity

Ability of a microorganism to cause disease.

Virulence

Degree of pathogenicity; how severe the disease is.

Infectious dose

Number of microorganisms required to cause infection.

Exoenzymes

Enzymes secreted by pathogens that break down host tissues to aid infection.

Endotoxins

Toxins that are part of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria and are released when the bacteria die.

Exotoxins

Toxic proteins secreted by bacteria that damage host cells or tissues.

Enterotoxins

Exotoxins that specifically target the intestines, causing vomiting and diarrhea.

Bacteriemia

Presence of bacteria in the bloodstream.

Toxemia

Presence of toxins in the bloodstream.

Viremia

Presence of viruses in the bloodstream.

Septicemia

A serious bloodstream infection where bacteria multiply and cause systemic illness (blood poisoning).

Antigenic drift

Small, gradual genetic mutations in viruses that alter surface proteins over time.

Antigenic shift

A sudden, major change in viral surface proteins due to gene reassortment, often leading to pandemics.

Epidemiology

The science underlying public health.

Etiology

The cause or origin of a disease.

Morbidity

Being in a state of illness.

Morality

Death (how many people died)

Prevalence

The total number affected in the population currently.

Incidence

The number of new cases, usually expressed as a proportion.

Sporadic

A disease that occurs occasionally and irregularly in a population. (rare)

Epidemic

A sudden increase in the number of disease cases above what is normally expected in a specific area.

Endemic

A disease that is constantly present at a steady level in a particular population.

Pandemic

An epidemic that spreads across multiple countries or continents and affects many people.

CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

A U.S. federal agency that protects public health by monitoring, preventing, and controlling diseases.

Notifiable diseases

Diseases that must be reported to public health authorities when diagnosed.

MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report)

A weekly publication by the CDC that reports data on disease outbreaks and public health issues.

Reservoir

The natural habitat where a pathogen normally lives and multiplies (human, animal, or environment).

Carrier

A person or animal that harbors a pathogen without showing symptoms but can still spread it.

Host

An organism (human or animal) that can be infected by a pathogen.

Direct contact

Transmission through immediate physical contact (touching, kissing, sexual contact).