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Comparing Microbes
Microbe - a tiny organism that can be seen only with a
microscope. Single celled protist (or unicellular protist) are called
microbes.
Virus - a particle that consists of a nucleic acid enclosed within a
protein shell that requires a living cell in order to reproduce.
DNA - (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the nucleic acid responsible for
carrying the genetic information of most organisms from one
generation to the next.
RNA - (Ribonucleic Acid) is a nucleic acid used by most organisms
for protein synthesis.
Capsid - the protein shell that surrounds a virus.
Prokaryote - a unicellular organism that lacks a true nucleus and
membrane-bound organelles. Prokaryotes are commonly called
bacteria.
Cell Wall - a rigid structure that supports and protects the cell,
also allows substances to go in and out of the cell in plants.
Eukaryote – organisms whose cells have a true nucleus and
membrane-bound organelles.
Disease – any change that disrupts the normal function of one or
more body systems.
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Noninfectious Disease - diseases that are not spread from one
organism to another (such as inherited traits that cause diseases).
Pathogen – any microbe that causes a disease or diseases.
Infectious Disease - any disease that is caused by a pathogen.
Contagion – an infectious disease or infectious diseases that can
be transmitted or spread from one organism to another.
Viral Replication - the process that occurs when a virus begins to
make more viruses.
Lysogenic Cycle – a process in which viral DNA is added to the
chromosomes o the host cell. Once added to the cell, the viral DNA
becomes part of the cell’s DNA and is copied each time the cell
divides.
Mutagen – anything that changes the DNA of an organism
(example: a virus that enters the lysogenic cycle is a mutagen).
Lytic Cycle – a process where the viral DNA or RNA can direct the
production of toxic chemicals to damage or kill the cell. This is a
very dangerous cycle for cells trying to fight off disease.
Parasite – an organism that lives and eats off of another
organism. In most cases parasites will not kill the host, but they
can sicken or weaken the host.