Understanding antibiotic resistance: Glossary

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Understanding antibiotic resistance

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Glossary

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R

rapid diagnostics

Medical diagnostic test that is quick and provides a rapid read-out that can be used to diagnose the patient.

reactive oxygen species (ROS)

Chemically reactive chemical compounds containing oxygen, for example hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). They can damage DNA and proteins.

replication

The synthesis of an exact copy of a DNA molecule.

resistance breakers

Drugs that do not kill bacteria themselves but, when co-administered with a failing antibiotic, can overcome resistance.

ribosome

A structure in the cell where proteins are made. Each ribosome consists of a large and a small subunit which have distinct roles in protein synthesis.

RNA (ribonucleic acid)

A type of nucleic acid. Serves as an intermediate in the conversion of genetic information, encoded in DNA, into a protein.

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