Understanding antibiotic resistance: Glossary

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Understanding antibiotic resistance

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Glossary

Browse the glossary using this index

Special | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | ALL

G

gene

A sequence of DNA that encodes the amino acid sequence of a particular protein.

generations

A classification system for cephalosporins based on their spectrum of activity.

genetic mutations

Changes in the sequence of DNA due to either errors made while copying the DNA or environmental factors. Genetic mutations in genes can result in changes to the amino acid sequence encoded by the gene.

genome

The complete set of DNA of an organism.

genus

Rank used in biological classification of organisms. A subdivision of a family usually consisting of more than one species. For example the species Staphylococcus aureus is a member of the genus Staphylococcus.

germ theory

The theory that many diseases are caused by microorganisms.

Gram-negative

Bacteria that do not retain crystal violet dye in the Gram-staining test.

Gram-positive

Bacteria with a thick peptidoglycan layer in their cell wall that is stained blue–purple by the Gram stain dye.

Gram staining

A cell-staining method used to visualise the composition of the bacterial cell wall and to identify and classify bacteria.

Greiss reaction

An analytical chemistry test that detects the presence of nitrites in a solution.

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