9E - Evolving Pathogens

Question 1

antimicrobial agent

Answer 1

An agent that kills or slows the growth of microorganisms. Examples include antiseptics, disinfectants, antifungals, antivirals and antibacterial agents.

Question 2

bacterial conjugation

Answer 2

The process in which bacteria exchange genetic material via direct cell-cell contact.

Question 3

antigenic drift

Answer 3

Small and gradual mutations in the genes encoding for viral surface antigens.

Question 4

antigenic shift

Answer 4

Sudden and significant mutations in the genes encoding for viral surface antigens.

Question 5

viral recombination

Answer 5

The combination of surface antigens from two or more different strains of a virus to form a completely new virus subtype.