Glossary of Terms

Enzymes
Biological catalysts that increase the rate or velocity of a chemical reaction without itself being changed in the overall process.

Metabolism
The whole range of biochemical processes that occur within us and in all living organisms. Metabolism consists of anabolism (the buildup of substances) and catabolism (the breakdown of substances). The term is commonly used to refer to the breakdown of food and its transformation into energy.

Microcolony
A colony of a few microscopic cells. For example, a minute colony of bacteria growing under suboptimal conditions.

Inert
Deficient in active properties; especially: lacking a usual or anticipated chemical or biological action.

Biomolecule
A biomolecule is any organic molecule that is produced by a living organism, including large polymeric molecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, and nucleic acids as well as small molecules such as primary metabolites, secondary metabolites, and natural products.

Genetics
A branch of biology that deals with the molecular structure and function of genes, with gene behavior in the context of a cell or organism, with patterns of inheritance from parent to offspring, and with gene distribution, variation and change in populations.

Molecular Biology
A branch of biology that deals with the molecular basis of biological activity. This field overlaps with other areas of biology and chemistry, particularly genetics and biochemistry. Molecular biology chiefly concerns itself with understanding and the interactions between the various systems of a cell, including the interactions between the different types of DNA, RNA and protein biosynthesis as well as learning how these interactions are regulated.

Understanding Biofilms

Biofilm science is a relatively new technical discipline that has emerged in response to the tremendous opportunities and significant costs resulting from damage caused by biofilms.

Learn about Biofilms