Microbiology Glossary
Browse our comprehensive collection of 777 microbiology terms and definitions.
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Immunodiffusion
Immunodiffusion is a serological assay in which antigen and antibody diffuse through a gel matrix and form visible precipitin lines when they meet in optimal...
Immunofluorescence
Immunofluorescence is a microscopy technique that uses antibodies conjugated to fluorescent dyes to detect and visualize specific antigens in cells or tissues....
Immunoglobulin
Proteins produced by B cells that bind specific antigens Explanation Immunoglobulins, often called antibodies, are glycoproteins secreted by plasma cells in...
Immunology
Scientific study of the immune system and its functions Explanation Immunology is the branch of biomedical science that explores how organisms defend...
Immunopathology
Immunopathology refers to the study of diseases that result from dysfunction or dysregulation of the immune system, as well as to the tissue damage caused by...
In Vitro
Processes performed outside a living organism in controlled laboratory settings Explanation In vitro, meaning “in glass,” refers to experiments and procedures...
In Vivo
Processes or experiments conducted within living organisms Explanation In vivo, meaning “within the living,” refers to studies performed on whole, living...
Incubation
Maintaining biological specimens such as microorganisms, cells or eggs under controlled conditions of temperature, humidity, gas composition and time to...
Incubation
Maintaining organisms or samples under controlled conditions to promote growth or development Explanation In microbiology and cell biology, incubation refers...
Incubation Period
The interval between exposure to a pathogen or biological agent and the onset of clinical signs or symptoms of disease. Explanation The incubation period is a...
Incubation Period
Incubation period is the time between exposure to an infectious agent and the first signs or symptoms. It reflects early pathogen replication and host response...
Incubator
An incubator is a device or enclosed environment that maintains stable conditions of temperature, humidity, gas composition and sometimes agitation to support...
Incubator
An incubator is an enclosed device that maintains controlled environmental conditions, such as temperature, humidity and sometimes gas composition, to support...
Indicator Bacteria
Indicator bacteria are microorganisms whose presence or abundance is used to assess the hygienic quality of water, food or other environments, rather than as...
Indicator Organism
An indicator organism is a species, usually non-pathogenic, whose presence, absence or abundance is used to assess environmental conditions, hygienic practices...
Indicator Organism
An indicator organism is a microorganism whose presence, absence or abundance reflects specific environmental conditions or the potential presence of...
Industrial Fermentation
Industrial fermentation refers to the use of microorganisms or cultured cells in large vessels to produce chemicals, fuels, food ingredients or pharmaceuticals...
Infection
The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites within a host organism that leads to tissue damage or disease...
Infection
Infection refers to the invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites within host tissues, potentially leading to...
Infectious
Describing a disease or agent that can be transmitted to a host and cause infection, or a person who is capable of spreading a pathogen to others. Explanation...
Infectious
Infectious refers to the ability of a microorganism to cause an infection and, in many cases, to be transmitted from one host to another. Explanation An...
Influenza A Virus
Influenza A viruses are members of the Orthomyxoviridae family and consist of enveloped, segmented, negative‑sense RNA viruses that infect birds and mammals....
Influenza B Virus
Influenza B viruses are members of the Orthomyxoviridae family and consist of enveloped, segmented, negative‑sense RNA viruses. Unlike influenza A viruses,...
Influenza C Virus
Influenza C virus is an enveloped, segmented, negative‑sense RNA virus within the Orthomyxoviridae family. It primarily infects humans and pigs and is...