Ks3 Microbes Key Words

Microbes

Antibiotics

Substance that controls the spread of bacteria in the body by killing them or stopping them reproducing.

Antibody

A protein produced by the immune system in humans (and other animals) that attacks foreign organisms (antigens) that get into the body.

Bacteria

Single-celled microorganisms, some of which are pathogenic in humans, animals and plants.

Colony

A visible cluster of microorganisms.

Defence

Methods of preventing an attack (from microorganisms).

Diameter

A straight line passing through the centre of a circle.

Immune system

Protects the body against infections.

Micro-organism

Microscopic living things such as archaea and bacteria.

Pathogen

Microorganism that causes disease.

Resistant

The ability of certain bacteria to survive and reproduce in the presence of an antibiotic.

Transmission

The method by which a disease is passed from one person to another.

Vaccines

Substances containing disabled antigens of a particular disease, usually administered via injection.

Virus

An ultramicroscopic infectious non-cellular organism that can replicate inside the cells of living hosts, with negative consequences.

White Blood Cells

A type of cell found in blood that defends against infection.

Zone of Inhibition

A clear area around a disc saturated with antibacterial chemical.