Innate Immunity
Microbial Genetics
Classifications of Microorganisms
Microbial Mechanisms Of Pathogenicity
The Control of Microbial Growth
POP CULTURE
100

This innate immune cell is responsible for engulfing and digesting pathogens, playing a key role in the first line of defense.

Phagocytes

100

This is the molecule that carries genetic information in microorganisms, typically in the form of a double helix.

DNA

100

This term refers to bacteria shaped like spheres.

Cocci
100

This term refers to the initial invasion of a pathogen into a host, setting the stage for ...

Infection

100

This term refers to the ability of microorganisms to resist the effects of a drug or antimicrobial agent that once inhibited or killed them.

Antibiotic Resistance

100

This 1997 film, directed by James Cameron, is known for its iconic line "I'm the king of the world!"

Titanic

200

This term describes the increase in blood flow and the accumulation of immune cells at the site of infection or injury.

Inflammation

200

The process by which genetic information in DNA is copied into RNA.

Transcription

200

These archaea are known for living in hot, acidic environments like hot springs.

Thermophiles

200

This is the process by which pathogens enter the host's body, often through the skin, mucosal surfaces, or the respiratory tract.

Portal Of Entry

200

This process involves the use of heat to kill or inactivate pathogens in food and liquids.

Pasteurization

200

This "Queen of Pop" is known for hits like "Like a Virgin" and "Vogue" and has reinvented herself numerous times.

Madonna

300

This is the process of attracting immune cells to the site of infection, often triggered by inflammatory mediators.

Chemotaxis

300

This process involves the conversion of mRNA into a protein sequence in microorganisms.

Translation

300

This type of bacteria, like Clostridium botulinum, can survive in oxygen-deprived environments and may produce toxins.

What are anaerobic bacteria?

300

This term refers to the severity or extent of disease caused by a pathogen, often measured by the level of damage to host tissues.

Virulence

300

This process removes or kills all microorganisms, including spores, from surfaces or substances, often achieved through autoclaving or sterilizing chemicals.

Sterilization

300

This artist, famous for hits like "Shape of You" and "Thinking Out Loud," is a British singer-songwriter.

Ed Sherran

400

These are specialized cells involved in inflammation and tissue repair, releasing histamine and other chemicals.

Mast Cells

400

This is the basic unit of heredity in microorganisms and consists of a segment of DNA that encodes a specific protein or function.

Gene

400

This classification system groups organisms based on shared physical characteristics and genetic relationships.

Taxonomy

400

This term refers to the ability of a microorganism to cause disease in a host, which is typically associated with the presence of virulence factors.

Pathogenicity

400

This commonly used antiseptic, often found in hand sanitizers, works by denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes.

Alcohol

400

This former body builder and actor became the 38th Governor of California and later ran for President.

Arnold S. 

500

These are small, soluble proteins that act as signaling molecules to mediate and regulate immune responses, especially during inflammation.

Cytokines

500

The enzyme responsible for unwinding the DNA double helix before replication begins.

Helicase

500

These photosynthetic protists are the base of many aquatic food webs and are considered plant-like.

Algae

500

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are two bacteria that can form biofilms in this organ, leading to chronic infections.

Lungs

500

This type of chemical agent is used to prevent microbial growth on living tissues, commonly applied before surgery to reduce the risk of infection.

Antiseptic

500

This Netflix series about a group of kids encountering supernatural events in the 1980s was inspired by films like E.T. and The Goonies.

Stranger Things

600

This is a characteristic of inflammation, marked by redness and warmth, which results from increased blood flow to the affected area.

Vasodilation

600

This enzyme synthesizes the new DNA strand by adding nucleotides to the growing chain during replication.

DNA Polymerase

600

This type of virus infects bacteria and is often used in genetic research.

Bacteriophage

600

Bacteria in biofilms are significantly more resistant to this class of drugs, which are normally effective against planktonic bacteria.

Antibiotics

600

This method involves exposing microorganisms to UV light, which causes DNA damage and inhibits microbial growth, often used for surface disinfection.

UV Radiation

600

This dystopian novel by Suzanne Collins is set in a future where children are forced to fight in televised death matches.

Hunger Games

700

This substance, released by damaged tissues or immune cells, triggers pain as part of the inflammatory response.

Prostaglandins

700

This type of mutation shifts the reading frame of the genetic code, often resulting in a nonfunctional protein.

Frameshift Mutation

700

Archaea are distinct from bacteria in their genetic makeup. They are more closely related to this domain of life. 

Eukarya

700

These are proteins that are recognized by the immune system, and their recognition can trigger immune responses that target the pathogen.

Antigens

700

This physical method of microbial control involves exposing microorganisms to high-pressure steam, typically used for sterilizing equipment.

Autoclaving

700

This gaming console, released in 2000, became a major success for Sony, known for games like Gran Turismo and Final Fantasy VII.

Play Stations 2

800

This process is essential to inflammation, where immune cells exit blood vessels and migrate to the site of infection or injury.

Diapedesis

800

This occurs when a mutation leads to a premature stop codon in a gene, potentially truncating the protein.

Nonsense Mutation

800

These microorganisms can cause diseases in humans and animals and can be classified as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protozoa.

Pathogens

800

These proteins, often found on bacterial surfaces, help pathogens evade the host immune system by preventing phagocytosis.

Capsules

800

These protective measures in hospitals help control the spread of infectious microorganisms, especially in immune-compromised patients.

Universal or Standard Precautions

800

It can describe someone's appearance or demeanor, indicating health, happiness, or vitality. For example, someone might say a person is doing this when they appear radiant or full of energy.

Glowing

900

These white blood cells are the first responders to infection, acting to neutralize and eliminate pathogens through phagocytosis.

Neutrophils

900

This type of horizontal gene transfer occurs when bacteria transfer genetic material through direct cell-to-cell contact, often via a pilus.

Conjugation

900

These bacteria live in extreme environments like hot springs, often classified as archaea.

Extremophiles

900

This enzyme, produced by Staphylococcus aureus, breaks down host tissues by digesting collagen, aiding in bacterial spread.

Collagenase

900

This method uses salt or sugar to draw water out of food and inhibit microbial growth, commonly used for curing meats or preserving fruits.

Osmotic Pressure

900

This civilization, located in modern-day Mexico, is known for its pyramids, calendars, and the city of Teotihuacan.

Mayan Civilization

1000

These receptors on innate immune cells recognize PAMPs and trigger immune responses to defend against infections.

Toll Like Receptors

1000

This process is the method by which DNA replicates, ensuring each new cell has an exact copy of the genetic material.

Semiconservative Replication

1000

Archaea have unique lipid membranes, which help them survive extreme environments, whereas bacteria have this structure in their cell walls.

Peptidoglycans

1000

This process involves the pathogen's ability to alter its surface proteins, preventing recognition by the host immune system.

Antigenic Variation

1000

This practice uses genetically engineered microorganisms to break down pollutants, such as oil spills, reducing microbial contamination in the environment.

Bioremediation

1000

This 1960 novel by Harper Lee, dealing with themes of racism and justice in the American South, is often studied in schools.

To Kill A Mocking Bird

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