Microbiology

Microbiology

The study of microscopic organisms including unicellular (single cell), multicellular (cell colony), and acellular (lacking cells). Microbiology encompasses a number of sub-disciplines including virology, mycology, parasitology, and bacteriology.

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Microbiology

mutualism

Biology; Microbiology

A type of symbiosis in which both partners gain from the association and are unable to survive without it. The mutualist and the host are metabolically dependent on each other.

saprophyte

Biology; Microbiology

An organism that takes up nonliving organic nutrients in dissolved form and usually grows on decomposing organic matter.

ultramicrobacteria

Biology; Microbiology

Bacteria that can exist normally in a miniaturized form or which are capable of miniaturization under low-nutrient conditions. They may be 0.2 mm or smaller in diameter.

gliding motility

Biology; Microbiology

A type of motility in which a microbial cell glides along when in contact with a solid surface.

scanning tunneling microscope

Biology; Microbiology

A type of scanning probe microscope used to image a surface by moving a fine probe over it at a constant height, which is maintained by keeping a constant electron flow (tunneling current) between ...

low oxygen diffusion environment

Biology; Microbiology

An aquatic environment in which microorganisms are surrounded by deep water layers that limit oxygen diffusion to the cell surface. In contrast, microorganisms in thin water films have good oxygen ...