BIO150: 1. Introduction, Cell Biology, Factors Affecting Microbial Growth

Science

systematic way of asking questions and investigating them objectively, consistently, reproducibly, numerically, to best dispel ignorance

Dependent Variable (DV)

relates to observations/questions; what is measured/the data collected; effect

Independent Variable (IV)

relates to the hypothesis; what is being changed /tested by the scientist via manipulation; cause

Hypothesis

proposed, specific explanation to address the question

Microorganism

an organism of microscopic size, which may exist in its single-celled form or as a colony of cells; loosely defined as science evolves

Saphrophyes

heterotrophic organisms that obtain their nutrients by breaking down dead or decaying organic matter

Fungi

eukaryotic, best saprophytes in the five kingdoms; includes molds, mushrooms, yeasts

Filamentous Mold

type of fungi characterized by their thread-like structures known as hypha; able to extend filaments (tiny limbs) into decaying matter

Fruiting Body

a structure that houses the spores for reproduction

Venomous

property of an animal that bites or stings to cause harm

Poisonous

property of an animal that causes harm when ingested or touched

Metabolism

the mechanism by which living things processes its environment to create its vital energy

Genome

all of a living organism’s genetic material

Histones

structural proteins present in eukaryotic cells that help compact and organize DNA, analogous to a thread spool

Plasmids

extrachromosomal (not attached to the main chromosome) extra pieces of circular DNA floating about in the cytoplasm that replicate independently

Conjugation

transfer of plasmid DNA from one cell to another using a pilus

Pilus

physical structure that forms between two cells during conjugation to trade plasmids

Histoplasma

a fungus (specifically, a mold) that causes histoplasmosis, a fungal infection of the lungs caused by inhalation of the spores

Candida

a fungus (specifically, a yeast) that the is most common cause of fungal infections (Candidiasis) worldwide and the largest genus of medically important yeasts

Entamoeba

a protista (specifically, a protozoa) that causes a parasitic infection when consumed from a contaminated water source; causes diarrhea