Bacteria and Viruses

Science

A virus that infects bacteria

Bacteriophage

A virus that infects bacteria. Bacteriophage. A bacteriophage is a type of virus that specifically targets and destroys bacteria.

Virus replication by a host cell, whose chromosomes have been infected by viral DNA

Lysogenic cycle

Virus replication by a host cell, whose chromosomes have been infected by viral DNA. Lysogenic cycle. The lysogenic cycle is when a virus integrates its DNA into a host cell's genome, allowing the virus to be copied along with the host cell's DNA each time the cell divides.

Virus replication where a virus use the host cell’s structures to replicate until the cell dies

Lytic cycle

Virus replication where a virus uses the host cells structures to replicate until the cell dies. Lytic cycle. The lytic cycle is when a virus makes copies of itself inside a host cell and then destroys the cell to release new viruses.

An infectious particle made up of protein instead of DNA or RNA

Prion

An infectious particle made up of protein instead of DNA or RNA. Prion. Prions are misfolded proteins that can cause diseases by triggering normal proteins in the brain to also misfold.

An RNA virus that uses reverse transcriptase to make DNA in a host cell

Retrovirus

An RNA virus that uses reverse transcriptase to make DNA in a host cell. Retrovirus. A retrovirus is a type of virus that inserts its genetic material into the DNA of the host cell to replicate.

An infectious agent composed of a single, circular strand of RNA, it infects plants

Viroid

An infectious agent composed of a single, circular strand of RNA, it infects plants. Viroid. Viroids are tiny infectious particles that cause diseases in plants by disrupting their growth.

Nonliving particle of DNA or RNA within a protein coat, it infects cells to reproduce

Virus

Nonliving particle of DNA or RNA within a protein coat, it infects cells to reproduce. Virus. A virus is a tiny germ that needs to enter living cells to multiply and spread.

Asexual reproduction where one cell divides into two identical cells

Binary fission

Asexual reproduction where one cell divides into two identical cells. Binary fission. It is a simple process by which single-celled organisms make an exact copy of themselves.

Sexual reproduction where two prokaryotic cells join to exchange genetic information

Conjugation

Sexual reproduction where two prokaryotic cells join to exchange genetic information. Conjugation. Conjugation is a process where bacteria share genetic material by connecting through a bridge-like structure.

A thick-walled structure that protects the DNA of bacteria, this protects the DNA in unfavorable conditions

Endospore

A thick-walled structure that protects the DNA of bacteria, this protects the DNA in unfavorable conditions. Endospore. An endospore is a tough, protective shell that allows bacteria to survive harsh conditions.

An organism that cannot survive without oxygen

Obligate aerobe

An organism that cannot survive without oxygen. Obligate aerobe. An obligate aerobe is a living thing that needs oxygen to grow and thrive.

An organism that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen

Obligate anaerobe

An organism that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. Obligate anaerobe. An obligate anaerobe is a type of organism that lives and grows only where there is no oxygen.

A poison produced by one organism that harms other organisms

Toxin

A poison produced by one organism that harms other organisms. Toxin. In simple terms, a toxin is a harmful substance made by living things that can damage other living things.

A domain of unicellular prokaryotes with cell walls

Bacteria

A domain of unicellular prokaryotes with cell walls. Bacteria. Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can be found everywhere and play roles in processes like decomposition and digestion.

The outer protein coat of the genetic material in a virus

Capsid

The outer protein coat of the genetic material in a virus. Capsid. The capsid is a protective shell that surrounds and shields a virus's genetic material.

A chemical that kills bacteria and other microorganisms, or slows their growth

Antibiotic

A chemical that kills bacteria and other microorganisms, or slows their growth. Antibiotic. Antibiotics are medicines that help fight infections by targeting and eliminating harmful bacteria in the body.

A disease-causing agent, like a bacteria, virus, or parasite

Pathogen

A disease-causing agent, like a bacteria, virus, or parasite. Pathogen. A pathogen is anything that can cause disease in living organisms.

The DNA from a virus that is embedded in the bacterial host’s DNA

Prophage

The DNA from a virus that is embedded in the bacterial hosts DNA. Prophage. A prophage is a viral DNA segment that integrates into a bacterium's genome, lying dormant until it can reproduce and spread.

A substance made of weakened or dead pathogens, it gives the body immunity against disease

Vaccine

A substance made of weakened or dead pathogens, it gives the body immunity against disease. Vaccine. A vaccine helps your body learn how to fight infections by introducing a harmless form of a germ, so you're protected if you encounter the real thing.

A long, tail-like structure that helps a cell to move

Flagellum

A long, tail-like structure that helps a cell to move. Flagellum. It's like a tiny propeller on certain cells that helps them swim, such as in sperm or bacteria.

A cell without a nucleus and other organelles, like bacteria

Prokaryote

A cell without a nucleus and other organelles, like bacteria, is called a prokaryote. Prokaryotes are simple, single-celled organisms without a nucleus.