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| adhesion |
A stable interaction of a cell with respect to a surface. Living cells actively excrete holdfast chemicals from their surface to anchor themselves to a substratum. This is referred to as adhesion or attachment. |
| adsorb |
To take up by adsorption. |
| adsorption |
In chemistry, refers to the accumulation of molecules of a gas or liquid on the surface of another substance; note that the accumulating molecules do not actually penetrate the substance they're on. |
| aggregate |
A total considered with reference to its constituent parts; a gross amount. |
| amino acid |
Any of a class of about twenty simple organic compounds which form the basic constituents of proteins and contain both a carboxyl and an amino group. |
| antagonism |
Interfering or opposing microbial interactions |
| artificial substrate |
Artificial surfaces such as contact lens and catheters that microorganisms may attach to. |
| attachment |
See adhesion. |
| autotrophic |
Independent of other organisms in respect of organic nutrition |
| biochemical |
The chemical and physico-chemical processes which occur within living organisms. |
| colonize |
A group of identical cells (clones) derived from a single progenitor cell. |
| colony |
A population of cells growing on solid medium (plates) arising from a single colony forming unit. |
| commensalism |
The close association of two or more dissimilar organisms where the association is advantageous to one and doesn't affect the other(s). See parasitism, symbiosis. |
| communities |
Diverse microbial colonies existing as a community. |
| coupon |
An experimental surface on which biofilms may be grown. |
| decalcification |
Loss of calcium salts from a bone or tooth. |
| dental caries |
Decay of the tooth; a destructive process causing decalcification of the tooth enamel and leading to continued destruction of enamel and dentin, and cavitation of the tooth. |
| ecosystem |
An interacting biological community of organisms and their physical environment. |
| electrostatic forces |
Relating to stationary electric charges or fields as opposed to electric currents. |
| EPS |
Generic term referring to polymers of varying chemical composition that are excreted outside the cell. Synonymous with exopolysaccharide, exocellular polymer, extracellular polymer, exopolymer. Term does not distinguish between bound polymer (capsule) and polymer excreted into the surrounding environment. In biofilms, EPS may refer to the polymers that extend between cells, forming a matrix and anchoring the cells to each other and to the substratum. (See glycocalyx.) |
| extracellular polymer substances |
See EPS |
| extracellular polysaccharide |
See EPS |
| glycocalyx |
Extracellular polymeric material produced by some bacteria. Term initially applied to the polysaccharide matrix excreted by epithelial cells forming a coating on the surface of epithelial tissue. General term for polysaccharide compounds outside the bacterial cell wall. Also called slime layer, EPS, or matrix polymer. (See EPS.) |
| glycogen |
A polysaccharide the body uses for energy storage; it is made up of chains of glucose molecules. When the body has depleted the free glucose in the blood, the liver breaks down glycogen into more glucose. |
| glycoproteins |
A protein linked to a sugar or polysaccharide which are components of receptor molecules on the outer surface of cells. |
| habitat |
The natural home or environment of an organism |
| heterotrophic |
An organism that derives nutrients from an organic carbon source |
| ileum |
The distal portion of the small intestine |
| in vitro |
In vitro means, literally, "in glass"; a biologic or biochemical process occurring outside a living organism. |
| in vivo |
In vivo means, literally, "in life"; a biologic or biochemical process occurring within a living organism. |
| incisor |
A narrow-edged tooth at the front of the mouth, adapted for cutting. |
| iodophilic polysaccharides |
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| ionic |
Relating to ions. Denoting chemical bonds formed by the electrostatic attraction of oppositely charged ions. |
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| microbes |
Same as microorganism. A living organism too small to be seen with the naked eye; includes bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and microscopic algae; also includes viruses. |
| microbial mat |
Layered groups or communities of microbial populations. |
| microorganism |
Same as microbe. A living organism too small to be seen with the naked eye; includes bacteria, fungi, protozoans, and microscopic algae; also includes viruses. |
| mutualism |
A type of symbiosis where two (or more) organisms from different species live in close proximity to one another and rely on one another for nutrients, protection, or other life functions. Both (or all) of the organisms involved benefit from the relationship. |
| nosocomial |
Pertaining to or originating in a hospital. |
| parasitism |
The close association of two or more dissimilar organisms where the association is harmful to at least one. See commensalism, symbiosis. |
| plaque (dental) |
A deposit of material on a tooth surface, which may serve as a medium for bacterial growth or as a nucleus for formation of dental calculus. |
| polysaccharide |
A polymer composed of multiple units of monosaccharide (simple sugar). |
| pure cultures |
A single specie of bacteria, grown in an isolated culture. |
| reactor |
Instrument used to model real-world environmental conditions. |
| remediation |
The action of remedying something, in particular environmental damage. |
| saprophytism |
A plant, fungus, or microorgansim living on decaying matter. |
| sterile |
Aseptic, not producing microorganisms, free from living microorganisms |
| substrate |
A molecule undergoing reaction with an enzyme. Any one of a number of essential nutrients for microbial growth. Specific substrates vary with specific physiology of microorganisms (bacteria or eukaryotic cells). |
| substratum |
The surface or material on which an organism lives, grows, or feeds. |
| symbiosis |
The close association of two or more dissimilar organisms where both receive an advantage from the association. See commensalism, parasitism |
| tooth enamel |
The white, compact and hard substance covering and protecting the dentin of a tooth crown. |
| villi |
A small vascular process or protrusion, as from the free surface of a membrane. In the intestine, these threadlike projections covering the surface of a membrane serve as sites of absorption of fluids and nutrients. |
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Some definitions were mirrored from the Concise Oxford English Dictionary and Dorland's Medical Dictionary. These definitions are given in the context of the materials contained in the Education web pages. The Glossary will expand as material is added to the Education web site.
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Dr. John Lennox, Education Editor, Penn State Altoona |
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