Introductory Biological and Environmental Terms

Biotic Factors (عوامل حفوية)

Biotic is defined as anything relating to living organisms. This classification encompasses the biological components of an ecosystem that influence the environment and other organisms within it. Specifically, this includes animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria.

Abiotic Factors (واول غير حيوية)

Abiotic is defined as anything non-related to living organisms. These represent the non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment. Key examples of abiotic factors provided include sunlight, temperature, soil $pH$, and water.

Growth and Culture Medium (بيئة غذائية)

A growth medium, also frequently referred to as a culture medium, is a substance used for the cultivation of microorganisms. This medium can exist in various physical states, including solid, liquid, or semi-solid forms. It is primarily utilized for growing microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi. The most common growth media used in laboratory settings for microorganisms are agar plates.

Active Ingredient (المادة الفعالة)

An active ingredient is defined as the part of a substance or compound that produces its chemical or biological effect. It is the specific component that is biologically active in applications such as drugs or pesticides, ensuring the product achieves its intended therapeutic or functional goal.

Aerobic Respiration (التنفس العوائى)

Aerobic respiration refers to the set of reactions and processes that take place within the cells of organisms to convert chemical energy from oxygen ($O_2$) or nutrients into usable energy. During this metabolic process, the cell releases waste products, specifically carbon dioxide ($CO_2$).

Anaerobic Respiration (التنفس الغير هواى)

Anaerobic respiration is a metabolic pathway used by certain microorganisms to generate energy without the use of oxygen ($O_2$). This allows for energy production in environments where oxygen is unavailable.

Antibiotic Resistance (مقاومة للمضاد الحفوية)

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria survive exposure to the drugs meant to kill or inhibit them. In such cases, the bacteria become resistant to the antibiotics, rendering typical treatments ineffective.