EXAM II: Chapter 12, Mechanisms of Infectious Disease

1. Any organism capable of supporting the nutritional and physical growth requirements of another


2. Refers to humans supporting the growth of microorganisms

The invasion of the human body by microorganisms that produce harmful and potentially lethal consequences

1. Describes the presence and multiplication of a living organism on or within the host

2. Interchangeable with "colonization"

Multitude of bacteria that many of which serve important functions for their hosts such as aiding in the digestion of food, producing vitamins, and protecting the host from colonization of pathogenic microbes

Disease-producing potential

A select group of microorganisms that are so virulent that they are rarely found in the absence of disease

Capable of producing an infectious disease when the health and immunity jof the host have been severely weakened by illness, famine, or medical therapy

Can grow and multiply only in host cells and require the metbolic apparatus of the host cell for growth

1. Can grow and multiply outside cells
2. Can be cultured on artificial media

1. Represent a diversity of microorganisms that are not visible to the human eye

2. A. Microorganisms
B. Eukaryotes and prokaryotes
C. Viruses
D. Parasites

3. Obligated intracellular organisms
4. Extracellular organisms

1. Can be separated into eukaryotes and prokaryotes

Organisms that contain all the enzymes required for their replication and possess all the biologic equipment necessary for exploiting metabolic energy

Organisms containing membrane-bound nucleus

Examples: fungi, parasites

Organisms in which nucleus is not separated

Examples: bacteria

1. SMALLEST pathogens
2. No organized cellular structure
3. Has protein coat surrounding a nucleic acid core of DNA or RNA
4. Incapable of replication outside of a living cell