Glossary (Page 5) — Ask Microbiology

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Baltimore Classification

The Baltimore classification is a system that groups viruses based on the nature of their nucleic acid genome and the mechanism they use to synthesize...

Barophile

A barophile, also known as a piezophile, is a microorganism that thrives under high hydrostatic pressure, often in environments such as deep ocean trenches or...

Basal Medium

A basal medium is a simple nutrient medium that supports the growth of microorganisms that do not require additional growth factors. It provides basic sources...

Basic Reproduction Number (R0)

The basic reproduction number, often denoted R0, is the average number of secondary infections generated by one infectious individual in a completely...

Binary Fission

Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction in which a single prokaryotic cell splits into two genetically identical daughter cells by duplicating its...

Bioaugmentation

Bioaugmentation is the deliberate introduction of beneficial microorganisms or microbial consortia into a contaminated environment to accelerate the breakdown...

Biochemical Characterization

Biochemical characterization refers to the examination of the metabolic and enzymatic properties of a microorganism. By analysing which nutrients an organism...

Biochemical Tests

Biochemical tests are laboratory procedures used to detect the presence of specific enzymes, metabolic pathways, or end products in microorganisms. By...

Biocontrol

Biocontrol, short for biological control, is the practice of using living organisms or their products to suppress populations of harmful organisms such as...

Biodegradation

Biodegradation is the process by which microorganisms enzymatically decompose organic compounds into simpler substances, often culminating in mineral products...

Biofilm

Biofilms are structured communities of microorganisms that attach to surfaces and to each other. These cells become encased in a self‑produced matrix of...

Biohazard

A biohazard biological hazard is any biological substance that poses a risk to human or animal health. This may be a microorganism such as a bacterium, virus,...

Bioluminescent bacteria

Bioluminescent bacteria are bacteria that emit visible light as a result of biochemical reactions. These organisms are mostly marine species that either live...

Bioremediation

Bioremediation is the use of living organisms, primarily microorganisms, to remove, transform, or detoxify contaminants in soil, water, or air. By harnessing...

BK Polyomavirus (BKPyV)

BK polyomavirus is a small, non‑enveloped DNA virus that infects humans early in life and establishes latent infection in the kidneys, reactivating to cause...

Blood Agar

Blood agar is an enriched solid medium made by supplementing a basal nutrient agar with around 5 percent defibrinated mammalian blood, usually sheep or horse....

Blood Borne Infections

Blood-borne infections are diseases caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites that can be transmitted from one person to another through contact with...

Bombali Ebolavirus

Bombali ebolavirus is the sixth known member of the genus Ebolavirus. It was identified in 2016–2018 in the tissues and oral swabs of free‑tailed bats Mops...

Borna Disease Virus 1

Borna disease virus 1 BoDV‑1 is a neurotropic, negative‑sense single‑stranded RNA virus that belongs to the family Bornaviridae. It is the prototype agent of...

Bundibugyo Ebolavirus

Bundibugyo ebolavirus is a distinct species of the genus Ebolavirus. It was first recognized in 2007 after an outbreak in Bundibugyo District, Uganda, causing...

Microbiology Glossary

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