Terms Used in Part 1 Microbes
Amoeba: an animal-like protist
Bacteria: unicellular organisms that lack membrane-bound
structures; a common term used to describe prokaryotes.
Cilia: a short hair-like appendage used by microorganisms for
motion.
Eukaryote: either unicellular or multi-cellular organism that
contains membrane-bound organelles and genetic material within
a nucleus.
Flagellum: a whip-like structure on unicellular organisms that
aids with movement.
Microbe: any organism or near life form that cannot be seen with
the naked eye.
Paramecium: a protist.
Parasite: an organism that derives nourishment or habitat from
the tissues or fluids of another organism. A eukaryotic pathogen
can be unicellular or multi-cellular.
Prokaryote: a unicellular organism that lacks a true nucleus and
membrane-bound organelle.
Protist: generally, a single-celled organism with a nucleus and
organelles, including amoebas, euglenas, paramecia and volvox.
Pseudopod: an extension of the cytoplasm used for movement
in some organisms. A means of locomotion for an amoeba;
literally, “false foot.”
Virus: a particle consisting of DNA encased in a protein coat that
must inject its DNA into a living cell in order to reproduce. A
microbe that consists of nucleic acid enclosed within a protein
shell that requires a living cell in order to reproduce. Scientists
consider the virus to be not alive