Viruses and Bacteria

Front

Bacteria Noun

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[bak-teer-ee-uh]

Back

Bacteria

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Tiny, unicellular microorganisms found in various environments, which can be beneficial or harmful to other living organisms.

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Example: This diagram shows that bacteria come in three main shapes: spherical (cocci), rod-shaped (bacilli), and spiral (spirilla).

Front

Cocci Noun

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[kok-sahy]

Back

Cocci

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A type of bacteria that is spherical or round in shape, existing as single cells or in groups.

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Example: This diagram shows that cocci are spherical bacteria and illustrates the different ways they can be arranged, such as in pairs (diplococci) or chains (streptococci).

Front

Bacilli Noun

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[buh-sil-ahy]

Back

Bacilli

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A classification of bacteria characterized by their rod-like shape, which can be found in various biological environments.

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Example: This diagram shows that bacilli are rod-shaped bacteria and illustrates their common arrangements, such as pairs (diplobacilli) and chains (streptobacilli).

Front

Spirilla Noun

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[spahy-ril-uh]

Back

Spirilla

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A genus of bacteria that is distinguished by its rigid, spiral, or corkscrew-like cellular shape.

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Example: This image shows Spirilla, a type of bacteria characterized by its rigid, spiral, or corkscrew-like shape.

Front

Pathogen Noun

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[path-uh-jen]

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Pathogen

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A biological agent, such as a bacterium or virus, that has the potential to cause disease or illness.

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Example: This image shows that a pathogen, like the measles virus, is a microorganism that enters the body and causes a disease with specific symptoms.

Front

Virus Noun

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[vahy-ruhs]

Back

Virus

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A microscopic infectious agent that replicates only inside the living cells of other organisms, composed of genetic material.

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Example: This diagram shows a cross-section of a virus, labeling its main parts: the viral genome (genetic material), the capsid (protein coat), and the envelope.

Front

Capsid Noun

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[kap-sid]

Back

Capsid

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The protective protein shell that encloses the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of a virus particle.

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Example: This diagram shows that a capsid is the outer protein shell of a virus, which protects the genetic material (DNA) stored inside.

Front

Genetic Material Noun

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[juh-net-ik muh-teer-ee-ul]

Back

Genetic Material

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The DNA or RNA that carries hereditary information and instructions for an organism's or virus's replication and function.

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Example: This image shows a virus injecting its genetic material (the coiled strands inside) into a bacterial cell, which contains the instructions for making more viruses.

Front

Bacteriophage Noun

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[bak-teer-ee-oh-feyj]

Back

Bacteriophage

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A type of virus that specifically targets, infects, and replicates within bacterial cells, often leading to their destruction.

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Example: This diagram shows the labeled parts of a bacteriophage, a type of virus that infects bacteria, including its head containing DNA and its tail assembly.

Front

Lytic Cycle Noun

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[lit-ik sahy-kuhl]

Back

Lytic Cycle

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A viral reproductive process that results in the rapid replication of viruses and the subsequent destruction of the host cell.

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Example: This diagram shows how a virus infects a host cell, makes copies of itself, and then bursts the cell to release many new viruses.