Medical Resident Vocabulary Microbiology 8th Grade

The study of microscopic organisms. Microbiology

An organism whose cells lack a nucleus and membrane bound organelles. Prokaroyote

Organisms whose cells contain a nucleus and membrane bound organelles. Eukaryote

Unicellular, aquatic protist that move around by pseudopods. Amoeba

Ciliates that live mostly in freshwater Ciliates that live mostly in freshwater. Paramecium have an oval body and long oral groove. Paramecium

Type of unicellular protist that is photosynthetic and ingests food, typically found in freshwater environments. Euglena

Organisms consisting of only one cell. Unicellular

Organisms consisting of many cells. Multicellular

A form of asexual reproduction in which one parent cell divides to form two identical cells (for unicellular organisms). Binary Fission

The reproductive process that involves two parents who combine their genetic material to produce a new organism, which differs from both parents. Sexual Reproduction

The reproductive process that involves only one parent and produces offspring that are identical to the parent. Asexual Reproduction

Unicellular microorganisms that function in disease, decomposition or can play beneficial roles. Bacteria are prokaryotes. Bacteria

A group of organism including both unicellular and multicellular that has cell walls, use spores to reproduce, and is a heterotroph that feeds by absorbing dead or decaying matter. Fungi

A small, nonliving particle that consists of genetic materials A small, nonliving particle that consists of genetic materials. The particle invades and then reproduces inside a living cell. Virus

A disorder that prevents an organism from carrying out normal life functions properly. Disease

An organism that lives on or in a host and causes harm to the host. Parasite

An organism that provides a source of energy or a suitable environment for a virus or for another organism. Host

An agent that carries the disease causing pathogen to other organisms to be infected. Vector

A protein created in the blood and body tissues by the immune system to neutralize or destroy sources of disease. Antibody

A drug that can kill bacteria without harming a person’s cells. Antibiotic

Antibiotic Resistance The ability of bacteria to withstand the effects of an antibiotic. Antibiotic Resistance

A tiny cell that is able to grow into a new organism. Ex. Fungi Spores

The increased occurrence of cases of diseases in excess of what normally would be expected in a defined community, season, or geographical areas. Outbreak

A spread of an infectious disease or illness in one geographical area. Ex: city, state, region Epidemic

The spread of an infectious disease or illness on a GLOBAL scale. Pandemic

A substance introduced into the body to stimulate the production of chemicals that destroy specific viruses, bacteria, or other disease- causing organisms. Ex. A weakend or death pathogen, such as bateria or virus. Vaccine

A molecule that the immune system recognizes either as part of the body or as coming from outside the body, promotes antibodies. Antigen

Communicable/Contagious Disease Disease that can be transmitted between people. Communicable/Contagious Disease

An organism that causes disease. Pathogen

Type of antibiotic Penicillin