Glossary
Friday, 17 May 2024, 12:38 AM
Site: Open Learning
Course: Understanding antibiotic resistance (UAR_1)
Glossary: Glossary
P
pH indicatorA chemical compound that changes colour in solution, depending on the pH (acidity) of the solution they are mixed with. |
phytochemicalChemicals produced by plants. Many phytochemicals have antibacterial properties. |
pilusA thin hollow tube extension of the bacterial cell wall that connects bacteria and is involved in horizontal gene transfer via conjugation. |
plasmidA circular, non-chromosomal piece of DNA often carrying genes associated with a particular function, e.g. antibiotic resistance. |
point-of-care (POC)‘point-of-care is the specific location at which a patient is presenting with illness – this could be at home, or in a range of primary and secondary healthcare settings. Point-of-care diagnosis therefore takes place close to the patient, rather than at a physically removed central laboratory.’
Bailey, S. (2017) ‘What do we mean by point of care?’, Longitude Prize, 4 May 2017 [Blog]. Available at https://longitudeprize.org/blog-post/longitude-prize-what-do-we-mean-point-care (Accessed 28 February 2018). |
polymerase chain reaction (PCR)A laboratory technique that permits the analysis of short DNA sequences in a sample. PCR is used to amplify short sections of DNA for analysis. |
porinA transmembrane protein complex that allows the movement of small molecules across the bacterial outer membrane. |
primary barrierSanitation and hygiene barrier that prevents initial contact with faeces. For example, providing people with access to flushing toilets. |
primary metabolitesA type of metabolite directly involved in growth and development. |
procalcitonin (PCT)A precursor of the hormone calcitonin. Levels of PCT rise in patients with bacterial, but not viral, infections. Consequently, it can be used as a biomarker for bacterial infections. |