Page:Bacteria, why do they make me sick?.pdf/47

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Dr. Gino Corsini Acuña
Science Communication Center

Eukaryote: cells that have a nucleus that contains the genetic material (DNA). They are complex and evolved cells. Inside, there are membranous organelles. This cell type can be animal or plant.

Gram’s method or Gram stain: It is a method created by Christian Gram in 1884 to distinguish and differentiate bacteria under the microscope. The first step is the application of a crystal violet stain. Then, there is the decolorization with ether and/or acetone. Gram-positive bacteria retain the first stain, causing it to look violet or dark blue under a microscope. Gram-negative bacteria become decolorized. Finally, a secondary stain (safranin) is added and Gram-negative bacteria will appear pink.

Immunological memory: it is the ability of rapid immune response against an agent that already had contact with the immune system.

Integrases: recombination enzymes that recognize short specific homologous sequences.

Interneuron: is a central nervous system neuron that interacts with other neurons exclusively, and never with sensory receptors or muscular fibers.

Lipopolysaccharides: They are the main component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. They are the main responsible for the endotoxin shock induced by Gram-negative bacteria.

Lymphocytes: or also called white cells are the blood cells responsible for the specific defense of the immune system. They have receptors in their membranes that allow them to recognize a large variety of pathogens.

Macrophages: antigen-presenting cells. After ingesting foreign particles or antigens, the macrophages present them to the lymphocytes to begin maturation and specific immune response.

Motor neurons: neurons of the central nervous system that project their axon towards a muscle or gland.

Mucosae: is a layer of cells that secretes substances containing protective elements against pathogenic bacteria. They are present in the digestive, respiratory and urogenital tract.

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