Bacteria

Bacteria

Single-celled microorganisms that are prokaryotic and vary in shape and size. They can be beneficial or harmful and reproduce through binary fission.

Viruses

Non-living infectious agents composed of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat. They are much smaller than bacteria and require a host cell to replicate.

Binary Fission

asexual reproduction in which a single organism divides into two identical daughter cells.

Capsid

protein coat that surrounds the genetic material of a virus, providing protection and aiding in host cell attachment.

Disease

An abnormal condition or disorder that affects the normal functioning of an organism, caused by various factors including pathogens.

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a retrovirus that attacks the immune system and can lead to AIDS if left untreated.

Immunization

The process of inducing immunity to a specific disease by administering vaccines to stimulate the immune system.

Infection

The invasion and multiplication of pathogens within a host organism, leading to harmful effects on the host's body.

Lytic Cycle

The reproductive cycle of a virus in which it infects a host cell, replicates its genetic material, assembles new viral particles, and causes the host cell to burst.

Pathogen

A microorganism that can cause disease by invading and damaging tissues or producing toxins.

Vaccination

The administration of a vaccine to stimulate the immune system and provide protection against specific infectious diseases.

Virus

A microscopic infectious agent consisting of genetic material enclosed in a protein coat, which can only replicate inside host cells and cause a wide range of diseases.