Microbiology Vocabulary: Key Terms and Concepts for Students

Micro

Small or microscopic

Bio

Life or living

-ology

The study of

Microbiology

The study of living organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, algae)

Bacteriology

Study of bacteria

Rickettsiology

Study of Rickettsia; obligate intracellular gram-negative bacteria transmitted by fleas, lice, ticks, or mites

Virology

Study of viruses

Virus

Smallest 'living' organism, consists of DNA or RNA and a protein coat; obligate intracellular parasite

Protozoology

Study of protozoa (single-celled animals found in various habitats)

Parasitology

Study of pathogenic protozoa and multicellular parasites

Mycology

Study of fungi (yeasts and molds)

Myco-

Word root related to fungi

Immunology

Study of resistance or susceptibility to disease; includes antigen-antibody reactions

Antigen

A substance that triggers an immune response

Antibody

A protein that reacts with a specific antigen

Binomial Nomenclature

Scientific naming system using genus and species

Genus

First part of binomial name; capitalized

Species

Second part of binomial name; not capitalized

Escherichia coli

Example of binomial nomenclature (genus + species)

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Another example of binomial nomenclature

Obligate

Restricted to specific environmental conditions or modes of life (e.g., obligate intracellular parasites)