Nonspecific Defense Mechanisms in Immunology

A system of proteins that helps the immune system recognize and destroy foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses.

The process where certain cells engulf and destroy foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses or cellular debris.

Special immune cells that target and kill virus-infected cells and cancer cells without prior sensitization.

A type of protein produced by cells in response to viral infection, helping to protect other cells from getting infected.

A method used to measure the effectiveness of antibiotics, vitamins and amino acids based on their ability to inhibit or promote microbial growth.

A standard method used in microbiology for measuring the effectiveness of antibiotics based on the size of the 'zone of inhibition' around a sample on an agar plate.

A rapid and reliable microbiological assay technique that uses a microorganism's ability to produce urease to measure the concentration of urea.

A biological method used to measure the activity of various compounds based on their ability to produce light in a controlled environment.

A type of chromatography used to separate compounds based on their relative polarities. A non-polar mobile phase is passed through a stationary phase that is more polar.

A specific type of RPC where a charged ion (usually hydrophobic, but can be hydrophilic) is added to the mobile phase to interact with the analyte and help in its separation. It aids in separating charged compounds by forming temporary ion pairs.

A biological test used to determine the potency of antibiotics or other antimicrobial agents.

A standard preparation of a particular antibiotic or antimicrobial agent used for comparison in assays.

The measurement of the potency of an antibiotic or antimicrobial agent. It is usually measured in international units (IU) per milligram

The process of creating a solution of a known concentration of an antibiotic or antimicrobial agent for use in assays.

The process of creating a solution of the sample containing the antibiotic or antimicrobial agent to be tested.

Specific organisms used in antibiotic assays, such as bacteria, to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of a substance.

Microorganisms that cause disease, like Rickettsia prowazekii (typhus fever) or Plasmodium falciparum (malaria).

Microorganisms that spoil food, causing it to become inedible or unsafe to eat. They damage its appearance, taste, or smell.

Microorganisms that degrade materials like glass, metal, or wood. They can cause rust, corrosion, or even damage to delicate equipment.

The measure of the amount of biodegradable organic matter in a sample of water. It indicates how much oxygen will be consumed by microorganisms as they break down organic matter.

A measure of the amount of oxygen required to chemically oxidize the organic matter in a water sample. It indicates the total amount of organic matter present.

Antony van Leeuwenhoek, a Dutch scientist, was the first to observe and describe microorganisms in detail using simple microscopes. He contributed significantly to the foundation of microbiology by demonstrating the ubiquitous nature of microbes.

Louis Pasteur, a French scientist, made crucial breakthroughs in understanding microbial processes like fermentation. He also developed pasteurization, a heat treatment to kill harmful microorganisms in liquids.

Robert Koch, a German scientist, established the link between specific microorganisms and specific diseases. His work on anthrax and tuberculosis revolutionized the understanding of infectious diseases.

Substances produced by the immune system to recognize and fight off specific pathogens.

A weakened or less virulent form of a pathogen used to stimulate an immune response in the host.

The ability of the host to resist a specific disease after encountering a weakened or inactivated pathogen.

The principle that a specific pathogen is responsible for causing a specific disease.

A set of criteria used to establish a causal link between a specific microorganism and a specific disease.

The weakening of a pathogen's virulence, making it less harmful but still able to stimulate an immune response.

The process of introducing a weakened or inactivated pathogen into the body to trigger an immune response.

The study of microorganisms and their role in health, disease, and the environment.

Substances that inhibit the growth of or kill microorganisms at low concentrations.

A test used to diagnose typhoid fever by detecting antibodies in the blood.

A diagnostic test used to detect the presence of syphilis by identifying specific antibodies in the blood.

The process by which microorganisms like bacteria or fungi break down complex organic matter into simpler substances.

The use of chemicals to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

Techniques that aim to prevent contamination by microorganisms during laboratory procedures.

A laboratory method used to isolate and grow a single type of microorganism.

A method used to stain microorganisms with different colors based on their cell wall structure, aiding in identification.

The study of living organisms at the molecular level, focusing on the structure and function of molecules like DNA, RNA, and proteins.

Microorganisms can be easily grown in large quantities and their growth can be manipulated using chemicals and physical methods.

The study of how enzymes function, including their structure and how they catalyze reactions.

The study of how cells regulate their own activities and respond to changes in their environment.

The study of how cells convert food into energy and use that energy for their functions.

The study of how cells synthesize proteins, which are the building blocks of life.

The study of the structure and function of the protective outer layers of cells.

The study of the structure and function of DNA and RNA, the molecules that carry genetic information.