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ferment in causing or propagating certain infectious or contagious diseases; a pathogenic bacterial organism.

One of the forms in which bacteria group themselves; a more or less thick layer of motionless but living bacteria, formed by the bacteria uniting on the surface of the fluid in which they are developed. This production differs from the zoöloea stage of bacteria by not having the intermediary mucous substance.…

The protoplasmic matter of which bacteria are composed.

octrine of the widespread distribution of germs, from which under favorable circumstances bacteria, vibrios, etc., may develop.

by Pasteur for the study of alcoholic fermentation, but used also for the cultivation of bacteria and other organisms. It contains all the elements of protoplasm, and was originally made of the ash of yeast, some ammonia compound, sugar, and water.

One of a class of virulent microörganisms or bacteria found in the tissues and fluids in infectious diseases, and supposed to be the cause of the disease; a pathogenic organism; a pathogenic bacterium; -- opposed to zymogene.

A genus including certain comma-shaped marine bacteria which emit bluish or greenish phosphorescence. Also, any microörganism of this group.

ly of the chromosome, but transferred, like the chromosome, to subsequent generations. In bacteria, plasmids often carry the genes for antibiotic resistance; they are exploited in genetic engineering as the vehicles for introduction of extraneous DNA into cells, to alter the genetic makeup of the cell. The cells thus a…

Pertaining to pleomorphism; as, the pleomorphic character of bacteria.

The theory that the various genera of bacteria are phases or variations of growth of a number of Protean species, each of which may exhibit, according to undetermined conditions, all or some of the forms characteristic of the different genera and species.

ed meat infusions, and supposed to be formed from albuminous matter through the agency of bacteria.

A genus of bacteria found in various organic fluids, especially in those those of the stomach, associated with certain diseases. The individual organisms undergo division along two perpendicular partitions, so that multiplication takes place in two directions, giving groups of four cubical cells. Also used adjectively;…

An order of Schizophyta, including the so-called fission fungi, or bacteria. See Schizophyta, in the Supplement.

al explanation of immunity phenomena. In brief outline it is as follows: Animal cells and bacteria are complex aggregations of molecules, which are themselves complex. Complex molecules react with one another through certain of their side chains, but only when these side chains have a definite correspondence in structu…

A genus of common motile microörganisms (Spirobacteria) having the form of spiral-shaped filaments. One species is said to be the cause of relapsing fever.

A genus of Spirobacteria similar to Spirillum, but distinguished by its motility. One species, the Spirochæte Obermeyeri, is supposed to be the cause of relapsing fever.

ganisms, and by germination giving rise to a new organism; as, the reproductive spores of bacteria, etc.

r germs in (an organic fluid or mixture), as by heat, so as to prevent the development of bacterial or other organisms.

Heat-loving; -- applied esp. to certain bacteria.

A chain of special bacteria. (b) A genus of budding fungi. Same as Saccharomyces. Also used adjectively.