Microbiology and Related Terms

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Microbiology

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Science of studying disease-causing microorganisms

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Pathogen

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Any disease-causing microbe

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Pandemic

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A rapidly spreading outbreak of disease affecting widespread regions across the world (smallpox, TB, certain flu outbreaks).

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Toxin

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Poisonous substance that may cause serious effects on the body.

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Virus

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Non Living pathogen that is capable of infecting and reproducing within living hosts; may spread rapidly throughout populations.

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Bacteria

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Unicellular prokaryotic organisms found nearly everywhere that are capable of living in a variety of environments. Many are beneficial while some are harmful.

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Fungi

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Multicellular eukaryotic organisms that obtain nutrients by breaking down organic matter.

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Protozoa

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Unicellular eukaryotic organisms capable of movement; may cause infections.

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Parasite

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Organism that benefits from a host organism while the host is harmed.

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Vector

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Something capable of spreading disease without being infected (rats, mosquitoes, soil, parasites).