LATEST UPDATE 2026
Doubling Time - Answers (a.k.a. generation time) the time it takes for one population
to double through one round of binary fission
Growth Curve - Answers A reproducible growth pattern of microorganisms grown in
closed culture (no nutrients added, no waste removed)
Culture Density - Answers # of cells/unit vol. in the environment
Biofilms - Answers complex & dynamic ecosystem of microorganisms in a highly
structured, advantageous community
EPS - Answers Extracellular Polymeric Substances are secreted by organisms in
biofilms - hydrated gel mostly polysacchardies, some proteins, nucelic acids, and
lipids - maintains function of biofilm allowing movement of nutrients, wase, and
gases keeping the cell hydrated and preventing desiccation, sheltering organisms from
predation.
Planktonic Cells - Answers FREE-FLOATING MICROBIAL CELLS LIVING IN
ACQUATIC ENVIORNMENTS THAT ATTACH TO A SUBSTRATE AND FORM
BIOFILMS
Quorom Sensing - Answers How cells in a biofilm coordinate activities in response
to environmental stimuli, which can occur between cells of difference species within a
biofilm, enabling microorganisms to detect their cell density through release and
binding of small diffusible autoinducers.
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) - Answers highly unstable ions & molecules derived
from partial reduction of oxygen that can damage virtually any macromolecule or
structure with which they come in contact. Ex: Singlet oxygen (O2), Superoxide
(O2-), Peroxides (H2O2), Hydroxyl Radical (OH), Hypochlorite ion (OCl-)
minimum permissive oxygen concentration - Answers lowest concentration of
oxygen that allows bacterial growth
maximum permissive oxygen concentration - Answers highest tolerated
concentration of oxygen for bacterial growth
Capnophiles - Answers bacteria that grow best in a higher concentration of CO2 and
lower concentration of oxygen present in the atmosphere. Best grown in candle jars,
as the flame consumes the oxygen and releases CO2.