bio 305 exam 3

Sterilization

Completely kills or removes all forms of microbial life.

Disinfection

Eliminates most pathogens, but not all.

Sterilization

Completely kills or removes all forms of microbial life.

Disinfection

Eliminates most pathogens, but not all.

Sanitization

Reduces microbial numbers to safe levels.

Antisepsis

Destroying pathogens on living tissue.

Degerming

Physically removing microbes from a surface (e.g., handwashing).

Bacteriostatic

Inhibits the growth of bacteria.

Bactericidal

Kills bacteria.

Autoclave

Uses steam under pressure to sterilize equipment and materials.

Pasteurization

Heat treatment that reduces spoilage organisms and pathogens in food.

Genotype

An organism’s genetic makeup.

Phenotype

The observable characteristics or traits of an organism.

Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence.

Mutagen

A physical or chemical agent that causes mutations.

Horizontal gene transfer

The movement of genetic material between bacteria.

Transformation

Uptake of naked DNA from the environment by a bacterial cell.

Transduction

Transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another via a bacteriophage.

Conjugation

Transfer of genetic material between bacteria using a pilus.

DNA replication

The process of making an identical copy of DNA.

Transcription

Process of copying DNA into RNA.

Translation

Process of converting RNA into a protein.

mRNA

Messenger RNA; carries genetic code from DNA to ribosome.

tRNA

Transfer RNA; brings amino acids to the ribosome.

rRNA

Ribosomal RNA; forms part of the ribosome.

Codon

A sequence of three bases in mRNA that codes for an amino acid.

Anticodon

A three-base sequence in tRNA complementary to a codon in mRNA.

Enzyme

A protein that speeds up chemical reactions.

Substrate

The molecule upon which an enzyme acts.

Active site

The part of an enzyme where the substrate binds.

Catabolism

Breakdown of molecules to release energy.

Anabolism

Synthesis of complex molecules, requiring energy.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate; the main energy currency of the cell.

Binary fission

A form of asexual reproduction in bacteria.

Lag phase

The adjustment period where bacteria prepare to divide.

Log phase

The phase of rapid bacterial growth and division.

Stationary phase

Phase where growth rate equals death rate due to limited resources.

Death phase

Phase where bacterial cells die off due to nutrient depletion.

Capsule

Sticky, protective layer outside the cell wall; helps evade immune response.

Flagella

Tail-like structures used for bacterial movement.

Pili

Hair-like structures used for attachment or DNA transfer.

Endospores

Dormant, tough, non-reproductive structures for bacterial survival in harsh conditions.

Pathogen

A microorganism that causes disease.

Antigen

A substance that triggers an immune response.

Antibody

A protein produced by B cells that binds to antigens.

Innate immunity

Non-specific, first-line defense mechanisms (e.g., skin, fever).

Adaptive immunity

Specific immune response with memory, involving B and T lymphocytes.