memory cells
definitionMemory cells are…
Long-living B cells or T cells capable of “remembering” a prior infection. Memory cells bestow years of long-term protection following immunization.
meningitis
definitionMeningitis is…
Bacterially or virally triggered inflammation of the membranes (called the meninges) that package the brain and spinal cord. Characterized by high fever, serious headaches, and a stiff neck. Meningitis can be life-threatening and is treated using antibiotics.
macrophages
definitionMacrophages are…
Scavenger cells of the innate immune system. They belong to the class of cells called phagocytes.
malaria
definitionMalaria is...
Infectious disease caused by the single-celled parasite Plasmodium. Plasmodium spreads inside the patient’s red blood cells until they rupture. This causes the typical Malaria symptom of recurrent periodic fever. The Anopheles mosquito transmits the malaria pathogen. The disease is the primary cause of death of children in Africa. To date, a vaccine does not exist.
measles
definitionMeasles are…
Highly contagious childhood disease that is transmitted by droplet infection with Paramyxovirus, and which is accompanied by fever and body-wide rashes. Although a safe and effective vaccine is available, in countries with inadequate health care, many children still die from this infectious disease.
mouse inbred strain
definitionA mouse inbred strain is…
Mice with an identical genetic profile.
melanin
definitionMelanin is...
Reddish, brown, or black pigments made from the amino acid tyrosine by enzymatic oxidation. They give colour to skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin is found in vertebrates, insects, microorganisms, plants, and in the ink of calamar. In vertebrates, melanin is synthesized by melanocytes in the skin and retina.
Mendelian inheritance
definitionMendelian inheritance means…
Rules that describe the inheritance of traits whose expression is determined by only a single gene. Named for Gregor Mendel. Today, exceptions to these rules are well-established.
minimal infectious dose
definitionThe minimal infectious dose is…
The minimum amount of pathogen that must be transmitted to trigger an infection. This dose is pathogen-dependent.
model organism
definitionA model organism is…
Organism used by scientists to study biological mechanisms, e.g. of infectious diseases, and how to prevent or treat them. Examples include the fruit fly D. melanogaster, the zebrafish D. rerio, the nematode C. elegans, the bacterium E. coli, and mice. See also knockout mice.
monoclonal antibodies
definitionMonoclonal antibodies are…
Produced by an individual clone of B cells, monoclonal antibodies all recognize the same exact epitope. They are used in medical diagnostics and research and partially also in the treatment of diseases.
motility
definitionMotility is…
In cell biology, describes movements of the whole cells (for example, of lymphocytes) or within the cytoplasm.
MRSA
MRSA is...
Abbreviation for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Infections with this bacterium are difficult to treat because they can resist numerous antibiotics.
multiresistant
definitionMultiresistant means…
A term which describes a germ that is resistant to several different types of drugs.
mycobacteria
definitionMycobacteria are…
Bacterial species that includes a number of pathogens: Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis, Mycobacterium leprae causes leprosy. The bacterium’s unique cell wall structure makes it largely insensitive to a number of different antibiotics.
myxobacteria
definitionMyxobacteria are…
Non-pathogenic bacteria that live in the soil and that exhibit social behavior by forming communities consisting of thousands of cells. They produce natural substances some of which can be used as therapeutics.
mucous membrane
definitionA mucous membrane is…
Also called mucosa, this protective layer lines the inner surfaces of hollow organs. Mucosa often contains glands that secrete mucus.