Discover published sets by community

The process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism's genome at a single time. Genome sequencing has revolutionized microbiology by enhancing pathogen identification and treatment methods.

A metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen. Fermentation is used in microbiology for food production and in industrial microbiology to produce ethanol and other chemicals.

A functional unit of DNA containing a cluster of genes under the control of a single promoter. In microbiology, operons are essential in the regulation of gene expression, especially in bacteria.

The movement of genetic materials between unicellular and/or multicellular organisms other than by the ('vertical') transmission of DNA from parent to offspring. It plays a significant role in the evolution of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

A state in which phage DNA is incorporated into the host bacterium's genome, where it is replicated along with the host cell's DNA. Lysogeny allows viruses to persist in host populations without killing the host cells.

A cell that is able to take up naked DNA from the environment through the process of transformation. Competent cells are commonly used in laboratory procedures to introduce new DNA.

Enzymes that cut DNA at specific recognition nucleotide sequences known as restriction sites. They are the 'scissors' in the toolkit of molecular biology and are invaluable in gene cloning and DNA modification.

The process of multiplying microbial organisms by letting them reproduce in predetermined culture media under controlled laboratory conditions. Used in microbiology for studying microorganisms and producing vaccines or enzymes.

A small, circular, double-stranded DNA molecule that is distinct from a cell's chromosomal DNA. Plasmids are important in microbiology for genetic engineering, antibiotic resistance, and metal tolerance.

The process by which DNA is transferred from one bacterium to another by a virus. It is utilized in microbiology for genetic mapping and studying gene function.

A permanent change in the DNA sequence of a gene. Mutations are the source of genetic diversity and can lead to new traits or diseases in microbial populations.

The process of making multiple, identical copies of a gene. Gene cloning is a common practice in microbiology to study gene function and to produce enzymes, vaccines, and other useful substances.

The study of genetic material recovered directly from environmental samples. Metagenomics is a valuable tool in microbiology for discovering new microbes and analyzing microbial communities.

The mechanisms that control the rate and manner in which genes are transcribed into RNA. Transcriptional regulation is crucial in microbiology for understanding gene expression patterns and bacterial response to environment.

A process of horizontal gene transfer by which one bacterium transfers genetic material to another through direct contact. Conjugation is crucial for the spread of antibiotic resistance among bacteria.

The ability of a microbe to withstand the effects of antibiotics. Understanding antibiotic resistance is critical in microbiology to develop new drugs and treatment strategies for bacterial infections.

A structured community of microorganisms encapsulated within a self-produced matrix. Biofilms are important in microbiology as they have increased resistance to antibiotics and are critical for understanding chronic infections.

The genetic alteration of a cell resulting from the direct uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA from its surroundings. Transformation is used in microbiology for cloning and gene mapping.

Distinct genetic elements in pathogenic microbes' genomes that are responsible for virulence. Their presence can turn a harmless microbe into a pathogen, making them crucial for microbial pathogenesis research.

The use of microbial metabolism to remove pollutants. Utilizing bacteria to biodegrade or detoxify substances hazardous to human health and/or the environment.

A laboratory method used to separate mixtures of DNA, RNA, or proteins according to molecular size. Gel electrophoresis is used in microbiology for analyzing genetic material and protein synthesis.

A component of the 30S small subunit of prokaryotic ribosomes that is used as a molecular clock for investigating evolutionary relationships among bacteria. It's a standard marker in microbial phylogenetics and taxonomy.

The set of rules by which information encoded within genetic material (DNA or mRNA sequences) is translated into proteins by living cells. The genetic code is universal to most organisms, including microbes, and is essential to life.

Live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for health, especially the digestive system. Probiotics are studied in microbiology for their potential to enhance gut flora and treat gastrointestinal issues.

A technique used to amplify a segment of DNA of interest or target sequence, making millions of copies. PCR is essential in microbiology for diagnostics, cloning, and analysis of genetic material.

The application of computer technology to the management of biological information. In microbiology, bioinformatics is crucial for analyzing genomes, understanding genetic regulation, and developing drug targets.

A set of DNA techniques that combine genetic material from multiple sources into a single DNA molecule. This technology is vital in microbiology for the production of pharmaceuticals, genetically modified organisms, and gene therapy.

A biological process in which RNA molecules inhibit gene expression, typically by causing the destruction of specific mRNA molecules. RNAi is utilized in microbiology to study gene function and regulate gene expression.

A virus that infects and replicates within bacteria and archaea. The role of bacteriophages in microbial ecology and evolution is profound, including their use as tools in molecular biology and biotechnology.

The collection of all microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their genes, that naturally exist in a particular environment. The study of microbiomes is fundamental in microbiology for understanding human health and disease.

A revolutionary gene-editing technology that allows for the addition, disruption, or change in the sequence of specific genes. CRISPR-Cas9 is widely used in microbiology for studying gene function and developing therapeutics.

Resistance plasmids that contain genes that provide resistance to antibiotics or other growth inhibitors. They are critical to understanding the spread of antibiotic resistance in bacterial populations.

Types of DNA that can move around within the genome. These elements, such as transposons, are significant in microbiology for their role in horizontal gene transfer and antibiotic resistance.

A region of bacterial chromosome of foreign origin that contains clustered genes for some extra property such as virulence or antibiotic resistance. Genomic islands are key to the evolution and adaptation of bacterial pathogens.

DNA sequences that can change their position within a genome, sometimes creating or reversing mutations and altering the cell's genetic identity. These elements are drivers of genomic evolution in microbes.

An interdisciplinary branch that involves designing and constructing new biological entities or redesigning existing biological systems. Synthetic biology has applications in microbiology for creating new drugs, biofuels, and sensors.

The classification, identification, and naming of bacteria. Bacterial taxonomy is key in microbiology for organizing and naming new species, understanding their relationships, and studying microbial diversity.

The regulation of gene expression in response to fluctuations in cell-population density. Quorum sensing is important in microbiology for understanding bacterial behavior, such as biofilm formation and virulence.