Microbiology Glossary
Browse our comprehensive collection of 777 microbiology terms and definitions.
F
Fomite
A fomite is any nonliving object or surface that can carry and transfer infectious agents to a susceptible host through contact. Transmission dynamics and...
Fungi
Fungi are a group of organisms that obtain nutrients by absorbing them from their environment. They are eukaryotic, heterotrophic and have cell walls made of...
Fungus
A fungus is a eukaryotic organism belonging to the kingdom Fungi that absorbs nutrients from organic material and includes yeasts, molds and multicellular...
G
Gamma (γ)-hemolysis
A pattern of growth on blood agar in which bacteria do not lyse red blood cells, leaving the surrounding medium unchanged. Explanation Hemolysis refers to the...
Gamma (γ)-hemolysis
Gamma γ-hemolysis refers to the absence of hemolytic activity when bacteria grow on blood agar; red blood cells around the colony remain intact and there is no...
Gene
A sequence of DNA that contains the information to produce a functional product, such as a protein or a functional RNA, and serves as a unit of inheritance....
Gene
A gene is a unit of heredity consisting of a sequence of nucleotides in DNA that encodes a functional product, such as a protein or RNA. Explanation In...
Gene Expression
Gene expression is the process by which the information encoded in a gene is used to produce a functional product such as an RNA molecule or a protein. It...
Gene Mapping
Gene mapping is the process of locating genes on a chromosome and determining their relative positions and distances. Explanation In genetic mapping, the...
Gene Mapping
Gene mapping is the process of determining the relative positions of genes or genetic markers on a chromosome and measuring the distances between them....
Gene Regulation
Gene regulation is the control of the timing, location and amount of gene expression. It determines which proteins are produced in different cell types and in...
Genera (Genus)
A genus plural genera is a taxonomic category that groups one or more closely related species based on shared characteristics. In biological classification,...
Genera (Genus)
A genus is a rank in the biological classification system used to group species that are closely related; the plural form is genera. Explanation In biological...
Genetic Analysis
Genetic analysis refers to the set of techniques used to study DNA sequences, gene function and patterns of inheritance. Understanding how genes influence...
Genetic Analysis
Genetic analysis encompasses laboratory and computational techniques used to study genes, genetic variation and inheritance patterns. Explanation Genetic...
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)
A genetically modified organism GMO is an organism whose genome has been intentionally altered using recombinant DNA techniques. Modern molecular tools allow...
Genetically Modified Organism (GMO)
A genetically modified organism GMO is an organism whose genome has been altered in the laboratory by the insertion, deletion or modification of genetic...
Genome
A genome is the complete complement of genetic material in an organism, encompassing all of its genes and non‑coding sequences. The genome includes every...
Genome
A genome is the complete set of genetic material of an organism, encompassing all of its chromosomes and any organellar DNA. Explanation The genome contains...
Genotype
Genotype refers to the genetic constitution of an organism, describing the specific alleles present at particular gene loci on its chromosomes. It encompasses...
Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker Syndrome (GSS)
Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker syndrome GSS is an extremely rare, fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by misfolded prion proteins. It is inherited in an...
Giardia
Giardia is a genus of anaerobic, flagellated protozoan parasites that colonize the small intestine of vertebrates. Members of this genus cause giardiasis, a...
Giardia lamblia
A flagellated protozoan parasite that infects the small intestine of humans and other mammals, causing the diarrheal disease giardiasis. Explanation Giardia...
Giardia lamblia
Giardia lamblia is a flagellated protozoan parasite that colonizes the small intestine of humans and other mammals, causing the gastrointestinal disease...