General Methods of Preventing Microbial Growth - Heat: Applying high temperatures to kill or inhibit microbial growth. Example:
Pasteurization of milk.
- Chemicals (Antibiotics): Using chemical substances to inhibit the growth of
microorganisms. Example: Using penicillin to inhibit bacterial growth.
- Radiation: Using ionizing radiation to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
Example: Gamma radiation for sterilization of medical equipment.
Gamma radiation Ionizing radiation used for sterilization purposes
Heat Application of high temperature to kill or inhibit microbial growth.
Antibiotics Chemical substances used to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.
- UV A, B, C : Ultraviolet radiation with different wavelengths, used for sterilization and
disinfection purposes.
Endospores Dormant, tough, and non-reproductive structures produced by certain bacteria.
Catalase test An enzyme that catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. Bubbles of
O2 will form if the test is positive.
Autoclaving Sterilization technique using steam under pressure.
Outbreak Sudden increase in the occurrence of a disease in a specific community or region
epidemic, endemic, pandemic epidemic- refers to a disease that occurs in a community or region in excess of
what is normally found within that population. widespread epidemic- outbreak
endemic- disease habitually present at a low level in a certain geographical area
ex. plague
pandemic- a worldwide epidemic affecting populations around the globe. aids,
swine flu
Hand washing Hygienic practice to remove microorganisms from hands.
Penicillin Antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections
Alkaphiles Microorganism that thrives in alkaline environments.
Psychrophile Microorganism that thrives at low temperatures.
Acidophiles Microorganism that thrives in acidic environments
Mesophiles Microorganisms that grow best at moderate temperatures
Halophile Microorganism that thrives in high salt concentrations.