Key Vocabulary from Microbiology and Evolution Lecture

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the lecture notes, including penicillin discovery, germ theory, evolution, genetics, and basic biology terms.

Penicillin

First antibiotic discovered; produced accidentally by the Penicillium fungus contaminating a plate, which inhibited bacteria.

Penicillium

Fungal genus responsible for producing penicillin; identified as the contaminant that led to antibiotic discovery.

Antibiotic

Substance that kills or inhibits the growth of bacteria; penicillin is an antibiotic.

Germ theory

Idea that illness is caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Cell theory

All living things are composed of one or more cells.

Germ theory (expanded context)

A foundational concept used to explain how infections occur via germs.

Prion

Infectious protein that can cause disease (e.g., mad cow disease); demonstrates disease can be caused by a protein without nucleic acids.

Hypothesis

In the notes, described as a principle or natural law used to explain phenomena, not merely a guess.

Theory

In the notes, described as a natural law that has been extensively tested and is not a guess.

Deductive reasoning

Reasoning from a general principle to a specific situation.

Genetic variation

Differences in DNA among members of a population.

Mutations

Changes in DNA that can have no effect, be beneficial, or be harmful.

DNA

Molecule that stores genetic information; mutations are changes in DNA.

Natural selection

Process by which individuals with favorable traits survive and reproduce more, leading to evolutionary change.

Evolution

Descent with modification; modern organisms come from older ones with genetic changes over time.

Biodiversity

Diversity of life in an environment; enhanced by genetic variation and evolution; human activity can accelerate extinctions.

Homeostasis

Maintenance of stable internal conditions (e.g., sweating to cool, shivering to warm).

Energy flow in ecosystems

Sun energy is captured by producers, passed to consumers, and stored nutrients are recycled through decomposition and recycling processes.

Domain (biological classification)

The most inclusive level of classification, grouping life into broad categories.