Microbial Ecology and Immune System Overview

This set of vocabulary flashcards encompasses key concepts from the lecture notes, focusing on microbial ecology, immunology, and mechanisms of evolutionary biology.

Horizontal gene transfer

A method for species to pass genes, contributing to genetic diversity.

Phylogeny

The history of branching divergence among species.

Molecular Clock

A gene with a constant rate of mutation used to estimate the timing of evolutionary events.

SSU rRNA

Small subunit ribosomal RNA used for phylogenetic analysis of bacteria and archaea.

Clade

A group of related organisms that share a common ancestor.

Variable Regions

Regions in DNA or RNA that differ among species, used in PCR to identify genetic relationships.

Symbiosis

The association between two different organisms, which can be mutualistic, commensal, or parasitic.

Dysbiosis

An imbalance in the microbial community that can lead to disease.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process by which certain bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia (NH3).

Denitrification

The process of converting nitrites and nitrates back into nitrogen gas (N2) to complete the nitrogen cycle.

Opsonization

The process by which antibodies or complement proteins mark pathogens for destruction by phagocytes.

Innate Immunity

The non-specific first line of defense against pathogens, including physical barriers and immune cells.

Adaptive Immunity

The specific immune response that develops over time, including memory of past infections.

Antigen

Any substance that can provoke an immune response, typically a foreign protein.

B Cells

A type of lymphocyte that produces antibodies in response to antigens.

T Cells

Lymphocytes that mediate immune responses, including helper T cells and cytotoxic T cells.

Phagocytosis

The process by which cells engulf and destroy foreign particles or pathogens.

Microbiome

The collection of microbes residing in a specific environment, including human gut flora.