Glossary

Abstract

AB5 toxin A bacterial toxin consisting of six parts: one part of one type of protein and five parts of a second protein Acidobacteria A phylum of the Eubacteria Acidophiles Organisms living in acid conditions Actinobacteria A phylum of the Eubacteria Actinomycin An antibiotic discovered by S. Waksman, produced by Streptomyces bacteria. It inhibits protein synthesis Adaptive immune system The part of the immune system that learns by experience, and produces antibodies. Vaccines work by triggering an adaptive immune response AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, the disease caused by HIV Alkaliphiles Organisms living in alkali conditions (the opposite of acid conditions) Amino acids The building blocks of proteins. There are 21 different amino acids Anamox bacteria Recently discovered bacteria that can very efficiently convert ammonium to nitrogen gas Anthrax The disease caused by Bacillus anthracis , also known as woolsorter’s disease. It has a high mortality because of the toxins produced by the bacteria Antibiotic A drug specifically targeting bacteria. Antibiotics either kill bacteria or inhibit their growth. They have no effect on viruses