Microbial ecophysiological trait and phenotype ontology METPO 2025-04-25 description license title has susceptibility profile has resistance profile has structured assay detail has antimicrobial substance has organism identified has original response string has assay measurement value has normalized compound string Bacteria that resist decolorization with acid-alcohol due to waxy cell walls acid-fast bacterium acid-fast acid-fast bacteria acid-fast bacterium acid-fast Mycobacterium tuberculosis Nocardia acid-fast adjective acid-fast bacteria noun_plural acid-fast bacterium noun_singular An organism that thrives in acidic environments, typically below pH 5 acidophiles acidophilic acidophile Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans Ferroplasma acidarmanus 5 0 pH acidophiles noun_plural acidophilic adjective Transport that requires energy input actively transport verb active transport ATP-driven transport proton motive force-driven transport The process by which an organism becomes better suited to its environment adapt adaptations adaptive verb adaptation genetic adaptations (mutations, gene acquisitions) physiological adaptations (enzyme induction, stress responses) adaptations noun_plural adaptive adjective Heritable characteristic that increases an organism's fitness by enhancing its ability to survive, reproduce, or respond to environmental challenges. adaptive trait Surface proteins that enable bacteria to adhere to host tissues adhesins adhesive adhesin fimbriae pili surface proteins adhesins noun_plural adhesive adjective Specialized cellular component that mediates attachment to surfaces, substrates, or other cells through specific molecular interactions. adhesion structure An organism that requires oxygen for growth Obligate aerobe Strict aerobe aerobes aerobic aerobically aerobe Bacillus subtilis Pseudomonas aeruginosa 100 1 % O2 aerobes noun_plural aerobic adjective aerobically adverb Respiration using oxygen as the terminal electron acceptor aerobically respiring respire aerobically verb aerobic respiration Complete oxidation to CO2 and H2O High energy yield (up to 38 ATP per glucose) aerobically respiring adjective An anaerobe that can survive in the presence of oxygen but does not use it for growth Oxygen-tolerant aerotolerant organism aerotolerant aerotolerant organism aerotolerant organisms aerotolerant Some Lactobacillus species Streptococcus pyogenes 100 0 % O2 aerotolerant adjective aerotolerant organism noun_singular aerotolerant organisms noun_plural Cluster of microbial cells that are attached to each other but not to a surface aggregate aggregates aggregating verb aggregate flocs in wastewater treatment marine snow milk clotting by lactic acid bacteria aggregates noun_plural aggregating adjective A thick-walled, dormant cell formed by some cyanobacteria akinetes akinete Anabaena akinetes Nostoc akinetes akinetes noun_plural An organism that thrives in alkaline environments, typically above pH 8.5 alkaliphiles alkaliphilic alkaliphile Bacillus alcalophilus Natronomonas pharaonis 14 7 pH alkaliphiles noun_plural alkaliphilic adjective The process of converting organic nitrogen to ammonia ammonify ammonifying verb ammonification Many soil bacteria and fungi ammonifying adjective The breakdown of starch into sugars amylolytic hydrolyze starch verb amylolysis alpha-amylases beta-amylases glucoamylases amylolytic adjective An organism that grows in the absence of oxygen Obligate anaerobe Strict anaerobe anaerobes anaerobic anaerobically anaerobe Clostridium botulinum Methanobacterium formicicum 0 0 % O2 anaerobes noun_plural anaerobic adjective anaerobically adverb Respiration using alternative terminal electron acceptors instead of oxygen anaerobically respiring respire anaerobically verb anaerobic respiration fumarate respiration iron respiration nitrate respiration sulfate respiration anaerobically respiring adjective Photosynthesis that does not produce oxygen anoxygenic photosynthetic anoxygenic photosynthesis green sulfur bacteria (bacteriochlorophyll) heliobacteria (bacteriochlorophyll) purple bacteria (bacteriochlorophyll) anoxygenic photosynthetic adjective The synthesis of compounds that inhibit the growth of other microorganisms antibiotic-producing produce antibiotics verb antibiotic production Bacillus antibiotics Pseudomonas antibiotics Streptomyces antibiotics antibiotic-producing adjective The ability of bacteria to survive exposure to antibiotics antibiotic-resistant antibiotic resistance aminoglycoside resistance beta-lactam resistance fluoroquinolone resistance macrolide resistance tetracycline resistance antibiotic-resistant adjective The ability of microorganisms to survive exposure to antimicrobial compounds AMR antimicrobial-resistant antimicrobial resistance antibiotic resistance antifungal resistance antiseptic resistance AMR abbreviation antimicrobial-resistant adjective Protruding structures on bacterial cells appendages appendage fimbriae flagella pili prosthecae stalks appendages noun_plural A type of spore formed by the fragmentation of fungal hyphae arthrospore-producing arthrospores arthrospore Coccidioides arthrospores Geotrichum arthrospores arthrospore-producing adjective arthrospores noun_plural Sexual spores produced in an ascus, typically by ascomycete fungi ascospore-producing ascospores ascospore Neurospora crassa Saccharomyces cerevisiae ascospore-producing adjective ascospores noun_plural An organism that synthesizes organic compounds from inorganic carbon sources autotrophic autotrophically autotrophs autotroph cyanobacteria sulfur-oxidizing bacteria autotrophic adjective autotrophically adverb autotrophs noun_plural Metabolic pathway through which organisms synthesize organic compounds from inorganic substances using light or chemical energy. autotrophic process An organism unable to synthesize a particular organic compound required for growth auxotrophic auxotrophs auxotroph amino acid auxotrophy nucleotide auxotrophy vitamin auxotrophy auxotrophic adjective auxotrophs noun_plural Internal flagella-like structures in spirochetes axial filaments axial filament endoflagella in Borrelia periplasmic flagella in Treponema axial filaments noun_plural A rod-shaped bacterial cell bacillar bacilli bacillus Bacillus Escherichia Lactobacillus bacillar adjective bacilli noun_plural An organism that thrives under high pressure conditions barophiles barophilic barophile Moritella yayanosii Shewanella benthica barophiles noun_plural barophilic adjective An organism that can survive under high pressure but does not require it for optimal growth barotolerant organism barotolerant barotolerant organism barotolerant organisms barotolerant Various marine bacteria that can survive in both shallow and deep waters 1000 1 atm barotolerant adjective barotolerant organism noun_singular barotolerant organisms noun_plural Sexual spores produced on a basidium, typically by basidiomycete fungi basidiospore-producing basidiospores basidiospore Agaricus bisporus Cryptococcus neoformans basidiospore-producing adjective basidiospores noun_plural Asexual reproduction where a cell divides into two identical daughter cells divide by binary fission verb binary fission Most bacteria reproduce by binary fission A structured community of microorganisms enclosed in a self-produced matrix biofilm-forming biofilms biofilm Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms dental plaque mixed-species biofilms biofilm-forming adjective biofilms noun_plural Constituent element of a microbial community encased in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances attached to a surface. biofilm component The process of creating structured microbial communities attached to surfaces biofilm-forming form biofilm verb biofilm formation biofilm maturation dispersion initial attachment matrix production microcolony formation biofilm-forming adjective The movement and transformation of elements through biological and geological processes biogeochemical cycles cycle biogeochemically verb biogeochemical cycling carbon cycle nitrogen cycle phosphorus cycle sulfur cycle biogeochemical cycles noun_plural The production of light by living organisms bioluminesce bioluminescent verb bioluminescence Photobacterium phosphoreum Vibrio fischeri bioluminescent adjective Asexual reproduction where a new cell grows from the surface of the parent cell bud budding verb budding Caulobacter crescentus Some Planctomycetes budding adjective Specialized cellular component that enables an organism to control its vertical position in a liquid environment through regulation of density or displacement. buoyancy structure An organism that requires or grows better in the presence of elevated levels of carbon dioxide capnophiles capnophilic capnophile Campylobacter species Helicobacter pylori Neisseria species capnophiles noun_plural capnophilic adjective A layer of polysaccharides or proteins surrounding the cell capsulated/encapsulated capsules capsule K antigen in E. coli pneumococcal capsule capsulated/encapsulated adjective capsules noun_plural The conversion of inorganic carbon (usually CO₂) into organic compounds carbon-fixing fix carbon verb carbon fixation 3-hydroxypropionate cycle Calvin cycle Wood-Ljungdahl pathway reverse TCA cycle carbon-fixing adjective The source from which an organism obtains carbon for building cellular materials carbon sources carbon source carbon dioxide glucose methane carbon sources noun_plural An organism that can use carbon monoxide as its sole source of energy and carbon Carbohydrogenotroph Carboxydrophile carboxydotroph carboxydotrophic carboxydotrophs carboxydrophile carboxydotroph Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformans Oligotropha carboxidovorans carboxydotrophic adjective carboxydotrophs noun_plural carboxydrophile synonym The pattern in which bacterial cells are organized relative to each other cell arrangements cell arrangement diplococci (pairs) palisades (side-by-side) sarcinae (cuboidal packets of eight) staphylococci (grape-like clusters) streptococci (chains) tetrads (groups of four) cell arrangements noun_plural Complex of layers that surrounds a cell, providing structural support, protection, and mediating interactions with the external environment. cell envelope A classification of microbial cells based on their longitudinal dimension ranges cell length categories cell length category low length (1.3-2 μm) mid length (2-3 μ very low length (<1.3 μm) cell length categories noun_plural The physical form or appearance of a microbial cell cell shapes cell shape bacilli (rod-shaped) cocci (spherical) pleomorphic (variable shapes) spirilla (spiral) vibrios (curved rods) cell shapes noun_plural The physical dimensions of a microbial cell cell sizes cell size diameter (for spherical cells) length (typically 0.5-5 μm for most bacteria) width (typically 0.2-2 μm for most bacteria) cell sizes noun_plural Distinctive physical, chemical, or structural property of the rigid layer surrounding certain cells that determines its functional attributes and taxonomic classification. cell wall characteristic Molecular constituent of the rigid structure surrounding certain cells that contributes to its structural integrity, function, or specificity. cell wall component A classification of microbial cells based on their lateral dimension ranges cell width categories cell width category high width (>0.9 μm) low width (0.5-0.65 μm) mid width (0.65-0.9 μm) very low width (<0.5 μm) cell width categories noun_plural Distinctive property of a cell that contributes to its identity, function, or classification within biological systems. cellular characteristic Distinct structural or functional part of a cell that contributes to its organization, metabolism, or other cellular activities. cellular component Coordinated series of molecular events occurring within or involving a cell that serves a specific biological function or outcome. cellular process Substance synthesized, modified, or secreted by a cell as a result of its metabolic activities or in response to environmental stimuli. cellular product The breakdown of cellulose into glucose cellulolytic hydrolyze cellulose verb cellulolysis beta-glucosidases cellobiohydrolases cellulases cellulolytic adjective Distinguishing quality, property, or feature of a biological entity that contributes to its identity, function, or classification. quality trait characteristic An organism that obtains energy from inorganic chemical reactions and carbon from CO2 chemoautotrophic chemoautotrophically chemoautotrophs chemoautotroph Acidithiobacillus (sulfur oxidizer) Methanogenic archaea Nitrosomonas (ammonia oxidizer) chemoautotrophic adjective chemoautotrophically adverb chemoautotrophs noun_plural An organism that obtains both energy and carbon from organic compounds chemoheterotrophic chemoheterotrophically chemoheterotrophs chemoheterotroph E. coli, Bacillus, Pseudomonas Most bacteria and fungi chemoheterotrophic adjective chemoheterotrophically adverb chemoheterotrophs noun_plural Movement of an organism in response to chemical stimuli chemotactic respond chemotactically verb chemotaxis attraction to nutrients repulsion from toxins chemotactic adjective A thick-walled resting spore formed from a cell of a fungal hypha chlamydospore-producing chlamydospores chlamydospore Candida albicans chlamydospores Fusarium chlamydospores chlamydospore-producing adjective chlamydospores noun_plural The taxonomic rank below phylum and above order classes class Actinobacteria (class) Bacilli Gammaproteobacteria classes noun_plural Significance of a microorganism, biological process, or trait in relation to human or animal health, disease diagnosis, treatment, or prevention. clinically relevant feature A spherical bacterial cell coccal cocci coccus Micrococcus (tetrads) Staphylococcus (clusters) Streptococcus (chains) coccal adjective cocci noun_plural Proteins produced in response to cold stress that maintain RNA translation and membrane fluidity CSP cold shock proteins cold shock protein CspA family proteins RNA helicases fatty acid desaturases CSP abbreviation cold shock proteins noun_plural Cellular reaction to sudden temperature decrease cold shock response membrane fluidity adjustments production of cold shock proteins The establishment of a microbial population in a host or environment colonize colonizing verb colonization environmental colonization gut colonization mucosal colonization skin colonization colonizing adjective The height profile of a bacterial colony colony elevations colony elevation convex flat pulvinate (cushion-shaped) raised umbonate (raised center) colony elevations noun_plural The edge characteristics of a bacterial colony colony margins colony margin entire (smooth) filamentous (thread-like extensions) lobate (lobed) rhizoid (root-like) undulate (wavy) colony margins noun_plural The appearance and characteristics of a bacterial colony grown on solid media colony morphologies colony morphology size, shape, color, texture, margin, elevation colony morphologies noun_plural The surface characteristics of a bacterial colony colony textures colony texture dry mucoid (slimy) powdery rough smooth (glistening) colony textures noun_plural A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected commensal commensalism normal skin flora some components of gut microbiota commensal adjective Coordinated action or response exhibited by a population of microorganisms that emerges from individual activities and interactions within the group. community behavior Spatial, temporal, or functional organization formed by multiple microbial species interacting within a defined environment. community structure Organic compounds that help organisms maintain osmotic balance without interfering with cellular processes compatible solutes compatible solute ectoine glycine betaine mannitol proline trehalose compatible solutes noun_plural The ability of a cell to take up extracellular DNA competent competence Induced competence in laboratory conditions Natural competence in Bacillus subtilis competent adjective Constituent part or element of a biological system that contributes to its structure, function, or organization. component Asexual spores produced by fungi, typically at the tips of specialized hyphae conidia conidial conidium Aspergillus conidia Penicillium conidia conidia noun_plural conidial adjective The transfer of genetic material between bacterial cells through direct contact conjugate conjugative verb conjugation F plasmid transfer in E. coli R plasmid transfer conjugative adjective Bacterial adaptive immune system providing resistance against foreign genetic elements CRISPR Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats CRISPRs Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats CRISPR CRISPR arrays CRISPR-Cas3 system CRISPR-Cas9 system Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats full_name CRISPRs noun_plural The ability of a microorganism to be grown in laboratory conditions culturable culturability culturable (can be grown in laboratory media) unculturable (cannot be grown with current techniques) viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state culturable adjective A thick-walled, dormant cell formed by some bacteria cysts encyst encysted verb cyst Azotobacter cysts Myxococcus cysts cysts noun_plural encysted adjective Period where death rate exceeds growth rate, resulting in population decline death phases decline phase death phase extreme nutrient depletion programmed cell death toxic waste accumulation death phases noun_plural decline phase synonym The reduction of nitrate to nitrogen gas denitrify denitrifying verb denitrification Paracoccus denitrificans Pseudomonas denitrificans denitrifying adjective Biological mechanism through which an organism or cell undergoes progressive changes in structure, function, or complexity over time. developmental process Biological catalysts grouped according to the type of chemical reaction they facilitate, their substrate specificity, or their molecular structure. diagnostic enzyme Distinctive biological trait or property that enables the identification, classification, or differentiation of organisms, structures, or processes. diagnostic feature An organism capable of nitrogen fixation diazotrophic diazotrophs diazotroph Azotobacter Rhizobium Some cyanobacteria diazotrophic adjective diazotrophs noun_plural The process by which cells become specialized for specific functions differentiate differentiated verb differentiation aerial mycelium formation in Streptomyces endospore formation in Bacillus heterocyst formation in cyanobacteria differentiated adjective The existence of two distinct morphological forms in the same organism dimorphic dimorphism prosthecate-budding cell cycle in Caulobacter rod-coccoid transitions yeast-hyphal dimorphism in Candida dimorphic adjective A flat, circular-shaped cell disc-shaped disc-shaped cells disc-shaped cell Certain aquatic bacteria Some cyanobacteria disc-shaped adjective disc-shaped cells noun_plural The highest taxonomic rank in biological classification domains domain Archaea Bacteria Eukarya domains noun_plural A temporary period of minimal metabolic activity dormant enter dormancy verb dormancy bacterial persistence viable but non-culturable state dormant adjective Specialized cellular form that enables an organism to survive unfavorable environmental conditions in a state of reduced metabolic activity. dormancy structure A cell shaped like two spheres connected by a narrow bridge dumbbell-shaped dumbbell-shaped cells dumbbell-shaped cell Dividing yeast cells Some budding bacteria dumbbell-shaped adjective dumbbell-shaped cells noun_plural The role and position a species has in its environment ecological niches ecological niche extreme environments human microbiome marine microbiota soil microbiota ecological niches noun_plural Series of interactions or changes involving organisms and their environment that affects community structure, resource distribution, or ecosystem function. ecological process Heritable characteristic that influences how an organism interacts with other species, utilizes resources, or adapts to environmental conditions. ecological trait Symbiotic relationship where one organism lives on the external surface of another ectosymbiotic ectosymbiosis dental microbiota epidermal bacteria on mammals gut microbiota ectosymbiotic adjective A compound that receives electrons in energy-generating reactions electron acceptors electron acceptor carbon dioxide nitrate oxygen sulfate electron acceptors noun_plural A compound that provides electrons for energy-generating reactions electron donors electron donor hydrogen hydrogen sulfide organic compounds reduced iron electron donors noun_plural A highly resistant, dormant structure formed within certain bacteria endospore-forming endospores endospore Bacillus endospores Clostridium endospores endospore-forming adjective endospores noun_plural Symbiotic relationship where one organism lives within the cells or body of another endosymbiotic endosymbiosis Buchnera in aphids Rhizobium in plant root nodules Wolbachia in insect cells endosymbiotic adjective Series of biochemical reactions through which organisms acquire, transform, store, or utilize energy for cellular functions and maintenance. energy metabolism process The biological catalysis carried out by specific proteins enzyme activities enzyme activity hydrolases isomerases ligases lyases oxidoreductases transferases enzyme activities noun_plural Heritable change in gene expression or cellular phenotype that occurs without alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. epigenetic modification Mechanism or phenomenon that contributes to genetic change over time, resulting in adaptation, speciation, or other alterations in the heritable characteristics of populations. evolutionary process A spore formed outside the mother cell exospore-forming exospores exospore Methylosinus spores Streptomyces spores exospore-forming adjective exospores noun_plural Period of growth where cells divide at a constant rate exponential phases log phase exponential phase balanced growth constant doubling time maximum growth rate exponential phases noun_plural log phase synonym Existing or occurring outside of cells extracellular extracellularly extracellular environmental bacteria most bacterial pathogens extracellular adjective extracellularly adverb Complex carbohydrates secreted by microorganisms EPS extracellular polysaccharides extracellular polysaccharide biofilm matrix components capsular polysaccharides slime polysaccharides EPS abbreviation extracellular polysaccharides noun_plural An organism that requires very high salt concentrations, typically above 15-20% NaCl extreme halophiles extremely halophilic extreme halophile Halobacterium salinarum Salinibacter ruber 35 20 % NaCl extreme halophiles noun_plural extremely halophilic adjective An organism that thrives in physically or geochemically extreme conditions extremophiles extremophilic extremophile acidophiles (low pH) alkaliphiles (high pH) halophiles (high salt) psychrophiles (low temperature) thermophiles (high temperature) extremophiles noun_plural extremophilic adjective Describing an optional capability or adaptation that is not essential facultative facultatively facultative facultative anaerobe facultative intracellular parasite facultative psychrophile facultative adjective facultatively adverb An organism that can grow both in the presence and absence of oxygen facultative anaerobes facultatively anaerobic facultative anaerobe Escherichia coli Saccharomyces cerevisiae 100 0 % O2 facultative anaerobes noun_plural facultatively anaerobic adjective The taxonomic rank below order and above genus families family Bacillaceae Enterobacteriaceae Streptomycetaceae families noun_plural Requiring specific or complex nutritional requirements for growth fastidious fastidious Bifidobacterium (requires specific carbohydrates) Haemophilus (requires X and V factors) Lactobacillus (requires specific amino acids) fastidious adjective Energy-yielding process where organic compounds serve as both electron donors and acceptors ferment fermentative verb fermentation alcoholic fermentation lactic acid fermentation mixed acid fermentation fermentative adjective Growing in long, thread-like structures filament filament filamentous filaments filamentous Nocardia Some cyanobacteria Streptomyces filament noun_singular filamentous adjective filaments noun_plural Short, hair-like appendages on bacterial cells, often involved in adhesion fimbria fimbria fimbriae fimbriated fimbriae P fimbriae in uropathogenic E. coli Type 1 fimbriae in E. coli fimbria noun_singular fimbriae noun_plural fimbriated adjective A whip-like appendage that enables cell movement flagella flagellated flagellum amphitrichous (flagella at both ends) lophotrichous (multiple flagella at one end) monotrichous (single polar flagellum) peritrichous (flagella all over the cell) flagella noun_plural flagellated adjective A cell shaped like a laboratory flask, with a swollen base and narrower neck flask-shaped flask-shaped cells flask-shaped cell Certain budding bacteria Some prosthecate bacteria flask-shaped adjective flask-shaped cells noun_plural Reproductive unit of fungi that contains genetic material and enables dispersal, reproduction, or survival under adverse conditions. fungal spore Gas-filled structures that provide buoyancy in aquatic environments gas vesicles gas vesicle Cyanobacterial gas vesicles Halobacterial gas vesicles gas vesicles noun_plural The percentage of guanine and cytosine nucleotides in DNA GC-rich/GC-poor GC content {'high GC content (>60%)': 'Streptomyces, Mycobacterium'} {'low GC content (<30%)': 'Clostridium, some Mycoplasma'} % GC GC-rich/GC-poor adjective A genomic feature characterized by a guanine-cytosine content percentage above 66.3% in an organism's DNA high-GC high GC content Mycobacterium species Streptomyces species high-GC adjective A genomic feature characterized by a guanine-cytosine content percentage below 42.65% in an organism's DNA low-GC low GC content Clostridium species Some Mycoplasma species low-GC adjective A genomic feature characterized by a guanine-cytosine content percentage between 42.65% and 57% in an organism's DNA lower-mid-GC lower-mid GC content Escherichia coli Many Proteobacteria lower-mid-GC adjective A genomic feature characterized by a guanine-cytosine content percentage between 57% and 66.3% in an organism's DNA upper-mid-GC upper-mid GC content Many Actinobacteria Some Pseudomonas species upper-mid-GC adjective The time required for a population to double in size doubling time generation times generation time {'fast growth': '< 20 minutes (E. coli in optimal conditions)'} {'moderate growth': '1-3 hours (many soil bacteria)'} {'slow growth': '> 24 hours (Mycobacterium tuberculosis)'} doubling time synonym generation times noun_plural Discrete unit of heritable information that can be maintained, replicated, and potentially transferred between organisms. genetic element Process through which genetic material is transferred between organisms or cells, leading to recombination, acquisition of new traits, or genetic diversity. genetic exchange Biological mechanism involving the replication, expression, modification, or transmission of genetic material within or between organisms. genetic process The total amount of DNA in an organism's genome genome sizes genome size {'large genomes (>6 Mbp)': 'Streptomyces coelicolor (8.7 Mbp)'} {'medium genomes (1.5-6 Mbp)': 'E. coli (4.6 Mbp)'} {'small genomes (<1.5 Mbp)': 'Mycoplasma genitalium (0.58 Mbp)'} genome sizes noun_plural Discrete region or component of an organism's genome that serves a specific function in genetic regulation, expression, or organization. genomic element Large regions of horizontal gene transfer in bacterial genomes GI genomic islands genomic island metabolic islands pathogenicity islands resistance islands symbiosis islands GI abbreviation genomic islands noun_plural Heritable characteristic determined by the structure, content, or organization of an organism's genetic material. genomic trait The taxonomic rank below family and above species genera genus Bacillus Escherichia Streptomyces genera noun_plural Movement across surfaces without the use of flagella glide gliding verb gliding motility Flavobacterium Mycoplasma Myxococcus gliding adjective Regulatory protein that controls the expression of many genes across various pathways global regulators global regulator CRP (catabolite repression) Fur (ferric uptake regulator) Lrp (leucine-responsive protein) RpoS (sigma factor) global regulators noun_plural Bacteria that do not retain crystal violet stain due to thin peptidoglycan layer and appear red/pink when counterstained with safranin Gram reaction negative Gram(−) Gram-negative bacterium Gram-stain negative bacterium gram-negative G- Gram-negative Gram-negative bacteria Gram-negative bacteria|Gram-stain negative bacteria Gram-negative bacterium Gram-negative|Gram-stain negative Gram-stain negative Gram-stain negative bacteria Gram-stain negative bacterium Gram-negative Escherichia Escherichia coli Pseudomonas Pseudomonas aeruginosa Salmonella Salmonella species G- abbreviation Gram-negative bacteria|Gram-stain negative bacteria noun_plural Gram-negative bacterium noun_singular Gram-negative|Gram-stain negative adjective Gram-stain negative bacterium noun_singular Bacteria that retain crystal violet stain due to thick peptidoglycan layer and appear purple after Gram staining Gram reaction positive Gram(+) Gram-positive bacterium Gram-stain positive bacterium gram-positive G+ Gram-positive Gram-positive bacteria Gram-positive bacteria|Gram-stain positive bacteria Gram-positive bacterium Gram-positive|Gram-stain positive Gram-stain positive Gram-stain positive bacteria Gram-stain positive bacterium Gram-positive Bacillus Bacillus subtilis Staphylococcus Staphylococcus aureus Streptococcus Streptococcus species G+ abbreviation Gram-positive bacteria|Gram-stain positive bacteria noun_plural Gram-positive bacterium noun_singular Gram-positive|Gram-stain positive adjective Gram-stain positive bacterium noun_singular A differential staining technique that distinguishes bacteria based on cell wall composition Gram stain Gram stains verb Gram stain Gram-negative Gram-positive Gram-variable Gram stains noun_plural Distinctive property related to how an organism increases in size, number, or complexity under specific environmental conditions. growth characteristic Environmental or physiological factors that limit or define the parameters under which an organism can survive, reproduce, or flourish. growth conditions constraints Characteristic mode of cellular proliferation, colony formation, or population increase exhibited by an organism under specific conditions. growth pattern The speed at which microbial population increases growth rates growth rate doubling time exponential growth rate generation time specific growth rate growth rates noun_plural The natural environment in which an organism lives habitats habitat aquatic extreme environments host-associated terrestrial habitats noun_plural An organism that thrives in high salinity environments halophiles halophilic halophile Dunaliella salina Halobacterium salinarum 35 0 % NaCl halophiles noun_plural halophilic adjective An organism that can grow in the presence of high salt concentrations but does not require them halotolerant organism halotolerant halotolerant organism halotolerant organisms halotolerant Some Bacillus species Staphylococcus aureus 20 0 % NaCl halotolerant adjective halotolerant organism noun_singular halotolerant organisms noun_plural Proteins produced in response to heat stress that protect cellular proteins from denaturation HSP heat shock proteins heat shock protein Hsp70 family Hsp90 family chaperonins (GroEL/GroES) HSP abbreviation heat shock proteins noun_plural Cellular reaction to sudden temperature increase heat shock response chaperone activity upregulation production of heat shock proteins The breakdown of red blood cells hemolytic hemolyze verb hemolysis alpha-hemolysis (partial hemolysis, greenish) beta-hemolysis (complete hemolysis, clear) gamma-hemolysis (no hemolysis) hemolytic adjective Specialized cells in some cyanobacteria that fix nitrogen heterocystous heterocysts heterocyst Anabaena heterocysts Nostoc heterocysts heterocystous adjective heterocysts noun_plural An organism that obtains carbon from organic compounds heterotrophic heterotrophically heterotrophs heterotroph Bacillus subtilis Escherichia coli heterotrophic adjective heterotrophically adverb heterotrophs noun_plural Adhesive structure at the end of a stalk or on a cell body holdfasts holdfast Caulobacter holdfast Hyphomonas holdfast holdfasts noun_plural The movement of genetic material between organisms other than by vertical transmission HGT lateral gene transfer (LGT) transfer horizontally verb horizontal gene transfer conjugation transduction transformation HGT abbreviation lateral gene transfer (LGT) synonym transfer horizontally An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of a chemical bond hydrolases hydrolytic hydrolase amylases (starch hydrolysis) lipases (lipid hydrolysis) nucleases (nucleic acid hydrolysis) proteases (protein hydrolysis) hydrolases noun_plural hydrolytic adjective An organism that thrives at extremely high temperatures, typically above 80°C hyperthermophiles hyperthermophilic hyperthermophile Methanopyrus kandleri Pyrolobus fumarii 115 80 C hyperthermophiles noun_plural hyperthermophilic adjective Intracellular structures for storing nutrients or other compounds inclusion bodies inclusion body gas vesicles glycogen granules polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) granules polyphosphate granules sulfur granules inclusion bodies noun_plural The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in host tissues infect infections infectious verb infection acute infections chronic infections localized infections systemic infections infections noun_plural infectious adjective Relationship between biological entities involving physical contact, chemical exchange, or signal transmission that affects their behavior or properties. interaction Relationship between a bacterium and a virus that infects it, involving molecular recognition, genetic exchange, defense, or lytic processes. interaction with a phage Relationship between an organism and its surroundings that involves sensing, responding to, or modifying physical, chemical, or biological factors. interaction with an environment Relationship between a microorganism and the organism in which it lives, involving molecular, cellular, or physiological exchanges that affect both parties. interaction with host Relationship or exchange between different microbial species or populations that affects their behavior, metabolism, or survival within a shared environment. interaction within a community Existing or occurring within a cell intracellular intracellularly intracellular facultative intracellular bacteria (Listeria, Salmonella) obligate intracellular bacteria (Rickettsia, Chlamydia) intracellular adjective intracellularly adverb Penetration of host cells or tissues invade invasive verb invasion blood-brain barrier penetration intracellular pathogens tissue-invasive bacteria invasive adjective Property or behavior of an organism observed under controlled experimental conditions that aids in its identification, classification, or research application. laboratory characteristic Initial period of growth where cells adapt to new environment before dividing lag phases lag phase adaptation to new nutrients repair of cellular damage synthesis of new enzymes lag phases noun_plural The series of changes an organism undergoes during its existence life cycles life cycle complex developmental cycles germination sporulation vegetative growth life cycles noun_plural Distinct stage in the development or reproduction of an organism characterized by specific morphological, physiological, or behavioral attributes. life cycle phase The breakdown of lipids into fatty acids and glycerol hydrolyze lipids lipolytic verb lipolysis lipases phospholipases lipolytic adjective A major component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria LPS lipopolysaccharides lipopolysaccharide O-antigen core oligosaccharide lipid A (endotoxin) LPS abbreviation lipopolysaccharides noun_plural Process by which a molecule, structure, or organism is directed to or maintained in a specific spatial position within a cell, tissue, or environment. localization The integration of bacteriophage DNA into the bacterial chromosome lysogenic lysogeny lambda phage lysogeny prophage formation lysogenic adjective Characteristic feature of an organism or population that is visible to the naked eye and contributes to its identification, ecological role, or evolutionary history. macroscopic trait Movement, orientation and navigation along magnetic field lines magnetotactic magnetotaxis Magnetococcus marinus Magnetospirillum magnetotacticum magnetotactic adjective An organism that grows best at moderate temperatures, typically between 20°C and 45°C mesophiles mesophilic mesophile Bacillus subtilis Escherichia coli 45 20 C mesophiles noun_plural mesophilic adjective metabolic partner Heritable characteristic that determines an organism's capacity to perform specific biochemical transformations or utilize particular substrates. metabolic trait The biological production of methane as a metabolic byproduct methanogenic produce methane verb methanogenesis CO2 reduction with H2 acetate fermentation to methane methanol reduction to methane methanogenic adjective The addition of methyl groups to DNA or proteins methylate methylated verb methylation DNA methylation protein methylation restriction-modification systems methylated adjective material entity process quality system An organism that requires oxygen for growth but at concentrations lower than atmospheric levels microaerophiles microaerophilic microaerophile Campylobacter jejuni Helicobacter pylori microaerophiles noun_plural microaerophilic adjective DNA sequences that can move within or between genomes MGE mobile genetic elements mobile genetic element insertion sequences integrons plasmids prophages transposons MGE abbreviation mobile genetic elements noun_plural An organism that grows optimally in 5-15% NaCl moderate halophiles moderately halophilic moderate halophile Halomonas elongata Salinivibrio costicola 20 5 % NaCl moderate halophiles noun_plural moderately halophilic adjective Heritable characteristic related to the physical form, structure, or appearance of an organism or its components. morphological trait Biological mechanism through which an organism achieves directed or random movement in its environment through structural adaptations or behavioral responses. motility process Specialized cellular component that enables an organism to move actively within its environment through mechanical, chemical, or other means. motility structure A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit mutualistic mutualism gut microbiota providing vitamins to host nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules mutualistic adjective Long-chain fatty acids found in the cell walls of Mycobacteria and related genera mycolic acid-containing mycolic acids mycolic acid Corynebacterium diphtheriae Mycobacterium tuberculosis mycolic acid-containing adjective mycolic acids noun_plural The formation of symbiotic associations between fungi and plant roots form mycorrhiza mycorrhizal verb mycorrhization arbuscular mycorrhizae ectomycorrhizae mycorrhizal adjective An organism that grows best at neutral pH, typically between pH 6.5 and 7.5 neutrophiles neutrophilic neutrophile Bacillus subtilis Escherichia coli 8 6 pH neutrophiles noun_plural neutrophilic adjective The biological oxidation of ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate nitrify nitrifying verb nitrification Nitrobacter (nitrite to nitrate) Nitrosomonas (ammonia to nitrite) nitrifying adjective The process of converting atmospheric nitrogen (N2) into ammonia fix nitrogen nitrogen-fixing verb nitrogen fixation Azotobacter in soil Rhizobium in legume root nodules nitrogen-fixing adjective The process of forming root nodules in leguminous plants for nitrogen fixation nodulate nodulating verb nodulation Nod factor signaling Rhizobium-legume symbiosis root nodule formation nodulating adjective The region in a prokaryotic cell that contains the genetic material nucleoid-associated nucleoids nucleoid bacterial chromosome nucleoid-associated proteins nucleoid-associated adjective nucleoids noun_plural Process by which an organism acquires, transforms, and incorporates external substances into its metabolism for growth, energy production, or other cellular functions. nutrient utilization Describing a requirement that is essential and cannot be substituted obligate obligately obligate obligate aerobe obligate anaerobe obligate intracellular parasite obligate adjective obligately adverb An organism that absolutely requires oxygen for growth and cannot grow in its absence obligate aerobes obligately aerobic obligate aerobe Micrococcus luteus Pseudomonas aeruginosa obligate aerobes noun_plural obligately aerobic adjective An organism that cannot tolerate oxygen and grows only in its complete absence obligate anaerobes obligately anaerobic obligate anaerobe Clostridium tetani Methanobacterium formicicum obligate anaerobes noun_plural obligately anaerobic adjective A thick-walled sexual spore produced by oomycetes oospore-producing oospores oospore Phytophthora oospores Pythium oospores oospore-producing adjective oospores noun_plural The taxonomic rank below class and above family orders order Actinomycetales Bacillales Enterobacterales orders noun_plural Classification of living beings based on the specific environmental parameters required for their optimal development and reproduction. microbe characterized by growth conditions Classification of living beings based on their specific needs for essential nutrients, compounds, or growth factors. microbe characterized by nutritional requirement microbe characterized by product produced Classification of living beings based on their requirement for, tolerance of, or utilization of molecular oxygen in their metabolism. microbe characterized by relation to oxygen Classification of living beings based on their optimal acidity or alkalinity range for growth, survival, or metabolic activity. microbe characterized by relation to ph Classification of living beings based on their tolerance for and adaptation to specific hydrostatic or atmospheric pressure conditions. microbe characterized by relation to pressure Classification of living beings based on their tolerance for and adaptation to specific ranges of environmental salinity. microbe characterized by relation to salt concentration Classification of living beings based on their optimal thermal range for growth, survival, or metabolic activity. microbe characterized by relation to temperature Classification of living beings based on their characteristic external morphology, cellular geometry, or structural configuration. microbe characterized by shape Classification of living beings based on their mode of nutrition and energy acquisition from the environment. microbe characterized by trophic type An organism that can grow in environments with high sugar concentrations osmophiles osmophilic osmophile Some yeasts and molds Zygosaccharomyces rouxii osmophiles noun_plural osmophilic adjective Regulation of solute concentration within cells in response to environmental osmolarity osmoregulate osmoregulatory verb osmoregulation compatible solute accumulation ion transport water channel regulation osmoregulatory adjective Cellular reaction to reactive oxygen species oxidative stress response production of catalase production of peroxidases production of superoxide dismutase An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of electrons from one molecule to another oxidoreductases oxidoreductive oxidoreductase dehydrogenases oxidases peroxidases reductases oxidoreductases noun_plural oxidoreductive adjective The relationship between an organism and molecular oxygen for growth oxygen requirements oxygen requirement aerobic anaerobic microaerophilic oxygen requirements noun_plural Photosynthesis that produces oxygen as a byproduct oxygenic photosynthetic oxygenic photosynthesis cyanobacteria (chlorophyll a) oxygenic photosynthetic adjective The entire gene set of all strains of a species, including core and accessory genes pan-genomes pan-genomic pan-genome accessory genome (genes present in some strains) core genome (genes present in all strains) strain-specific genes (unique to single strains) pan-genomes noun_plural pan-genomic adjective A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other parasitic parasitism extracellular pathogens causing disease intracellular pathogens parasitic adjective Transport that does not require energy input passively transport verb passive transport diffusion facilitated diffusion osmosis The ability of an organism to cause disease pathogenic pathogenicity evasion of host immune responses invasion of host tissues production of toxins pathogenic adjective A genomic island containing genes associated with virulence PAI pathogenicity islands pathogenicity island LEE in pathogenic E. coli SPI-1 in Salmonella PAI abbreviation pathogenicity islands noun_plural A polymer that forms the cell wall of most bacteria peptidoglycan-containing peptidoglycan thick in Gram-positive bacteria thin in Gram-negative bacteria peptidoglycan-containing adjective A measure of the breadth of hydrogen ion concentrations that a microorganism can tolerate, calculated as the difference between the maximum and minimum viable pH values pH deltas pH delta {'narrow range (<1 pH unit)': 'specialist organisms'} {'wide range (>5 pH units)': 'generalist organisms'} pH deltas noun_plural The specific pH at which an organism exhibits maximum growth rate pH optima pH optimum pH 10.0 for Bacillus alcalophilus pH 3.0 for Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans pH 7.0 for E. coli pH optima noun_plural The pH range or specific pH at which an organism grows optimally pH preferences pH-preferring pH preference acidophilic alkaliphilic neutrophilic pH preferences noun_plural pH-preferring adjective The span of pH values within which an organism can grow pH ranges pH range pH 1-5 for acidophiles pH 6.5-7.5 for neutrophiles pH 8.5-11 for alkaliphiles pH ranges noun_plural The ability of an organism to survive exposure to pH values outside its optimal growth range pH tolerances pH-tolerant pH tolerance acid resistance alkaline resistance pH tolerances noun_plural pH-tolerant adjective Biological mechanism employed by bacteria and archaea to protect themselves against viral infection and genetic invasion by bacteriophages. phage defense An organism that obtains energy from light and carbon from CO2 photoautotrophic photoautotrophically photoautotrophs photoautotroph Cyanobacteria Green sulfur bacteria photoautotrophic adjective photoautotrophically adverb photoautotrophs noun_plural An organism that obtains energy from light but carbon from organic compounds photoheterotrophic photoheterotrophically photoheterotrophs photoheterotroph Purple non-sulfur bacteria Some green bacteria photoheterotrophic adjective photoheterotrophically adverb photoheterotrophs noun_plural The process of converting light energy into chemical energy photosynthesize photosynthetic verb photosynthesis anoxygenic photosynthesis (purple and green bacteria) oxygenic photosynthesis (cyanobacteria) photosynthetic adjective Movement in response to light stimulus phototactic phototaxis negative phototaxis (movement away from light) positive phototaxis (movement toward light) phototactic adjective The taxonomic rank below domain and above class phyla phylum Actinobacteria Bacteroidetes Firmicutes Proteobacteria phyla noun_plural Coordinated series of biological activities that maintains homeostasis, responds to stimuli, or contributes to the integrated functioning of an organism. physiological process Temporary condition of an organism characterized by specific patterns of metabolic activity, gene expression, or cellular function in response to internal or external factors. physiological state Heritable characteristic that affects how an organism's biological systems function, respond to stimuli, or maintain homeostasis. physiological trait An organism that thrives under high pressure conditions (synonym of barophile) Barophile piezophile Barophilic barophilic|piezophilic piezophiles piezophilic piezophile Colwellia hadaliensis Psychromonas species 1000 10 atm barophilic|piezophilic adjective piezophiles noun_plural Colored compounds produced by microorganisms pigmented pigments pigment carotenoids (orange/yellow) melanins (brown/black) prodigiosin (red) pyocyanin (blue-green) pigmented adjective pigments noun_plural The production of colored compounds by microorganisms pigmented pigmentation carotenoids (yellow to red) melanins (brown to black) prodigiosin (red) violacein (purple) pigmented adjective Hair-like appendages on bacterial cells, often involved in motility or DNA transfer pili piliated pilus sex pili (conjugation) type IV pili (twitching motility) pili noun_plural piliated adjective The ability of microorganisms to enhance plant growth PGP plant growth-promoting plant growth promotion biocontrol of pathogens induced systemic resistance phosphate solubilization phytohormone production PGP abbreviation plant growth-promoting adjective A small, circular, extrachromosomal DNA molecule plasmid-containing plasmids plasmid F plasmids (fertility/conjugation) R plasmids (antibiotic resistance) Ti plasmids (plant tumor induction) plasmid-containing adjective plasmids noun_plural The ability of bacteria to change shape or size in response to environmental conditions pleomorphic pleomorphism Corynebacterium (club-shaped and irregular) L-form transition Mycoplasma (lack cell wall) cell wall deficient forms filamentous growth under stress pleomorphic adjective Systematic series of actions, changes, or functions that occur in organisms over time and lead to a specific outcome or state. process Bacteriophage DNA integrated into a bacterial genome prophage-containing prophages prophage cryptic prophages defective prophages inducible prophages prophage-containing adjective prophages noun_plural Thin extensions of the cell and cell wall prosthecae prosthecate prostheca Caulobacter crescentus stalk Hyphomicrobium appendages Hyphomonas neptunium stalk prosthecae noun_plural prosthecate adjective Cellular process through which amino acids are assembled into polypeptide chains according to genetic instructions encoded in DNA and mediated by RNA. protein synthesis The breakdown of proteins into smaller polypeptides or amino acids hydrolyze proteins proteolytic verb proteolysis extracellular proteases for nutrient acquisition intracellular proteases for protein turnover proteolytic adjective An organism able to synthesize all its organic compounds from inorganic carbon sources prototrophic prototrophs prototroph environmentally isolated strains wild-type strains of most bacteria prototrophic adjective prototrophs noun_plural An organism that thrives at relatively low temperatures, typically below 15°C psychrophiles psychrophilic psychrophile Polaromonas vacuolata Psychrobacter arcticus 20 0 C psychrophiles noun_plural psychrophilic adjective Term or concept that modifies, specifies, or contextualizes another entity, property, or relationship within an ontological framework. qualifier Cell-to-cell communication mechanism that allows bacteria to detect population density sense quorum verb quorum sensing AHL signaling in Gram-negative bacteria AI-2 interspecies signaling peptide signaling in Gram-positive bacteria Control of gene expression or protein activity regulate regulatory verb regulation post-translational regulation transcriptional regulation translational regulation regulatory adjective Biological process that controls the rate, timing, or extent of other processes through modulation of molecular activities or cellular responses. regulatory mechanism Biological mechanism through which organisms produce offspring, transfer genetic material, or increase their population. reproductive process Specialized cellular component or assembly that functions in the production, development, or dispersal of offspring. reproductive structure The specific molecular or cellular processes that confer antimicrobial resistance resistance mechanisms resistance mechanism active efflux bypass mechanisms enzymatic inactivation reduced permeability target modification resistance mechanisms noun_plural Energy-yielding process using an electron transport chain with external electron acceptors respiratory respire verb respiration aerobic respiration (oxygen as terminal electron acceptor) anaerobic respiration (other terminal electron acceptors) respiratory adjective System protecting bacteria from foreign DNA by cleaving unmethylated recognition sites R-M system restriction-modification systems restriction-modification system Type I R-M systems Type II R-M systems Type III R-M systems R-M system abbreviation restriction-modification systems noun_plural The cellular structure where protein synthesis occurs ribosomal ribosomes ribosome 30S small subunit 50S large subunit 70S ribosome (prokaryotic) ribosomal adjective ribosomes noun_plural Crystalline surface layer protein or glycoprotein coating the outside of many bacteria S-layer-containing S-layers S-layer S-layer glycoproteins paracrystalline S-layer S-layer-containing adjective S-layers noun_plural A measure of the breadth of sodium chloride concentrations that a microorganism can tolerate, calculated as the difference between the maximum and minimum viable salinity values salinity deltas salinity delta {'narrow range (<1% NaCl)': 'stenohaline organisms'} {'wide range (>8% NaCl)': 'euryhaline organisms'} salinity deltas noun_plural The salinity range or specific salinity at which an organism grows optimally salinity preferences salinity-preferring salinity preference halophilic non-halophilic salinity preferences noun_plural salinity-preferring adjective Compounds not directly involved in normal growth but often having ecological functions secondary metabolites secondary metabolite antibiotics pigments siderophores toxins secondary metabolites noun_plural The process of moving molecules from inside a cell to the external environment secrete secretory verb secretion enzyme secretion exopolysaccharide secretion protein secretion toxin secretion secretory adjective Specialized molecular machinery for protein secretion across membranes secretion systems secretion system Type I secretion system Type II secretion system Type III secretion system (injectisome) Type IV secretion system Type V secretion system Type VI secretion system secretion systems noun_plural Having an outer tube-like structure enclosing filaments of cells sheath sheath sheathed sheaths sheathed Leptothrix Some cyanobacteria Sphaerotilus sheath noun_singular sheathed adjective sheaths noun_plural Compounds that bind and transport iron into cells siderophore-producing siderophores siderophore desferrioxamine enterobactin pyoverdine siderophore-producing adjective siderophores noun_plural Protein subunit of RNA polymerase required for initiation of transcription sigma factors σ sigma factor σ32 (heat shock) σ38 (stationary phase) σ54 (nitrogen regulation) σ70 (housekeeping) sigma factors noun_plural σ symbol Process by which cells detect and respond to external or internal stimuli through cascades of molecular interactions that regulate cellular functions. signaling A loosely attached layer of extracellular polymeric substances slime layers slimy slime layer biofilm matrix mucoid colonies slime layers noun_plural slimy adjective Differentiated cellular form that has developed specific structural or functional adaptations to perform particular biological roles. specialized cell The basic unit of biological classification species species Bacillus subtilis Escherichia coli Streptomyces coelicolor species noun_plural A spiral-shaped bacterial cell spirilla spirillar spirillum Campylobacter Spirillum volutans spirilla noun_plural spirillar adjective A spiral-shaped bacterium with axial filaments spirochetal spirochetes spirochete Borrelia Leptospira Treponema spirochetal adjective spirochetes noun_plural Asexual spores produced within a sporangium sporangiospore-producing sporangiospores sporangiospore Mucor sporangiospores Rhizopus sporangiospores sporangiospore-producing adjective sporangiospores noun_plural The process of forming spores sporulate sporulating verb sporulation endospore formation in Bacillus exospore formation in Streptomyces sporulating adjective A cell with four approximately equal sides and right angles square square cells square cell Haloquadratum walsbyi Some archaeal species square adjective square cells noun_plural Non-reproductive appendage extending from a bacterial cell stalked stalks stalk Caulobacter crescentus stalk stalked adjective stalks noun_plural A cell with multiple pointed projections extending from a central body star-shaped star-shaped cells star-shaped cell Certain soil bacteria Some actinomycetes star-shaped adjective star-shaped cells noun_plural Period where growth rate equals death rate, resulting in constant population stationary phases stationary phase nutrient limitation quorum sensing activation waste product accumulation stationary phases noun_plural Cellular component that serves to accumulate, maintain, and make available specific molecules, compounds, or energy reserves for metabolic use. storage structure A genetic variant or subtype of a microorganism strains strain Bacillus subtilis 168 Escherichia coli K-12 Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2) strains noun_plural Cellular reactions to environmental challenges stress responses stress response cold shock response heat shock response osmotic stress response oxidative stress response stress responses noun_plural Physical component or arrangement of components in an organism that has a specific form, organization, and function. structure An organism that uses sulfate as an electron acceptor in anaerobic respiration sulfate reducers sulfate-reducing sulfate reducer Desulfobacter species Desulfovibrio species sulfate reducers noun_plural sulfate-reducing adjective Coordinated movement of bacterial populations across surfaces swarm swarming verb swarming Bacillus subtilis swarming Proteus mirabilis swarming Pseudomonas aeruginosa swarming swarming adjective A close and long-term biological interaction between different biological organisms symbioses symbiotic symbiosis commensalism (one benefits, other unaffected) mutualism (both benefit) parasitism (one benefits, other harmed) symbioses noun_plural symbiotic adjective Biological mechanism through which different species establish and maintain long-term ecological relationships that may be mutualistic, commensal, or parasitic. symbiotic process Metabolic cooperation between different microbial species syntrophic syntrophy acidogenic-methanogenic partnerships interspecies hydrogen transfer methanogenic syntrophy syntrophic adjective Unique designation assigned to a biological taxon that enables its precise reference, distinction, and retrieval in classification systems. taxonomic identifier Hierarchical level in the biological classification system that indicates the relative position and inclusivity of a taxonomic group. taxonomic rank A polymer in the cell wall of Gram-positive bacteria teichoic acids teichoic acid lipoteichoic acids (attached to membrane) wall teichoic acids (attached to peptidoglycan) teichoic acids noun_plural A measure of the breadth of thermal conditions that a microorganism can withstand, calculated as the difference between the maximum and minimum viable temperature values temperature deltas temperature delta {'narrow range (<10°C)': 'specialist organisms'} {'wide range (>30°C)': 'generalist organisms'} C temperature deltas noun_plural The specific temperature at which an organism exhibits maximum growth rate optimally-growing temperature optima temperature optimum 100°C for Pyrolobus fumarii 37°C for E. coli 70°C for Thermus aquaticus optimally-growing adjective temperature optima noun_plural The temperature range or specific temperature at which an organism grows optimally temperature preferences temperature-preferring temperature preference mesophilic psychrophilic thermophilic temperature preferences noun_plural temperature-preferring adjective The span of temperatures within which an organism can grow temperature ranges temperature range 0-15°C for psychrophiles 20-45°C for mesophiles 45-80°C for thermophiles temperature ranges noun_plural The ability of an organism to survive exposure to temperatures outside its optimal growth range thermal tolerances thermally tolerant thermal tolerance cold shock response heat shock response thermal tolerances noun_plural thermally tolerant adjective An organism that thrives at relatively high temperatures, typically above 45°C thermophiles thermophilic thermophilize verb thermophile Pyrococcus furiosus Thermus aquaticus 80 45 C thermophiles noun_plural thermophilic adjective A poisonous substance produced by an organism toxic toxins toxin endotoxins (part of cell structure) enterotoxins (affecting intestines) exotoxins (secreted) neurotoxins (affecting nervous system) toxic adjective toxins noun_plural Protein that binds to specific DNA sequences to control the transcription of genetic information from DNA to RNA. transcription factor The transfer of bacterial DNA from one bacterium to another via a bacteriophage transduce transductive verb transduction Generalized transduction (random bacterial DNA) Specialized transduction (specific bacterial DNA) transductive adjective An enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a functional group from one molecule to another transferases transferring transferase aminotransferases (transfer amino groups) kinases (transfer phosphate groups) methyltransferases (transfer methyl groups) transferases noun_plural transferring adjective The uptake and incorporation of exogenous DNA from the environment transform transformative verb transformation Artificial transformation in laboratory conditions Natural competence in Streptococcus pneumoniae transformative adjective Mechanisms for moving molecules across cellular membranes transport systems transport system ABC transporters antiporters group translocation ion channels symporters transport systems noun_plural A DNA sequence that can change its position within a genome transposons transposon Tn10 (tetracycline resistance) Tn5 (kanamycin resistance) transposons noun_plural A cell with a three-sided shape triangular triangular cells triangular cell Certain extremophiles Some archaeal species triangular adjective triangular cells noun_plural A chain of cells in filamentous bacteria, especially cyanobacteria trichomes trichome Anabaena trichomes Oscillatoria trichomes trichomes noun_plural Movement mediated by extension and retraction of type IV pili twitch twitching verb twitching motility Neisseria gonorrhoeae Pseudomonas aeruginosa twitching adjective Signal transduction system consisting of a sensor histidine kinase and a response regulator TCS two-component systems two-component system EnvZ/OmpR (osmoregulation) NtrB/NtrC (nitrogen regulation) PhoR/PhoB (phosphate regulation) TCS abbreviation two-component systems noun_plural A state in which cells are alive but cannot be cultured on standard media viable but non-culturable state VBNC non-culturable viable but non-culturable state viable but non-culturable states viable but non-culturable Escherichia coli under stress Vibrio cholerae in aquatic environments VBNC abbreviation non-culturable adjective viable but non-culturable state noun_singular viable but non-culturable states noun_plural A curved rod-shaped bacterial cell vibrioid vibrios vibrio Campylobacter jejuni Vibrio cholerae vibrioid adjective vibrios noun_plural The degree or severity of pathogenicity virulent virulence avirulent (non-pathogenic) highly virulent moderately virulent virulent adjective Molecule, structure, or mechanism produced by a pathogen that enables it to establish infection, evade host defenses, or cause damage to host tissues. virulence factor Biological mechanism through which a pathogen causes disease by invading, damaging, or disrupting host tissues or functions. virulence process The breakdown of xylan (hemicellulose) into xylose hydrolyze xylan verb xylanolytic xylanolysis beta-xylosidases xylanases xylanolytic adjective Motile spores with flagella, typically produced by algae and some fungi zoospore-producing zoospores zoospore Chytrid zoospores Oomycete zoospores zoospore-producing adjective zoospores noun_plural A thick-walled resting spore resulting from the fusion of two compatible hyphae zygospore-producing zygospores zygospore Mucor zygospores Rhizopus zygospores zygospore-producing adjective zygospores noun_plural A physical force exerted per unit area in an environment that influences microbial cellular processes, protein structure, and membrane fluidity. pressure atm The specific temperature at which a microorganism exhibits maximum metabolic activity and growth rate within its viable range. temperature optimum C The span of temperatures within which a microorganism can maintain metabolic functions and population viability. temperature range C The specific hydrogen ion concentration at which a microorganism achieves its maximum growth rate and metabolic efficiency. pH optimum pH The span of hydrogen ion concentrations within which a microorganism can maintain cellular homeostasis and sustain growth. pH range pH The specific concentration of sodium chloride at which a microorganism exhibits maximum growth rate and metabolic efficiency. NaCl optimum % NaCl The span of sodium chloride concentrations within which a microorganism can maintain osmotic balance and cellular functions. NaCl range % NaCl A measure of the breadth of sodium chloride concentrations that a microorganism can tolerate, calculated as the difference between the maximum and minimum viable salinity values. NaCl delta % NaCl A microorganism that can grow at temperatures near 0°C but has optimal growth at higher temperatures. psychrotolerant 45 0 C A microorganism that can grow at temperatures near 50°C but has optimal growth at lower temperatures. thermotolerant 50 0 C A microorganism that grows optimally at temperatures between 60°C and 80°C. extreme thermophile 80 60 C A microorganism that grows optimally at temperatures above 90°C. extreme hyperthermophile 125 90 C A microorganism that does not require salt for optimal growth and survival. Non-halophilic Nonhalophile non-halophile 2 0 % NaCl A microorganism that grows optimally in environments with low salt concentrations, typically between 2-5% NaCl. Slightly halophilic slight halophile 5 2 % NaCl A microorganism that grows optimally in environments with both high salt concentrations (typically 2-5% NaCl, but can tolerate up to 25% NaCl) and high pH (typically 9-11, but can grow at pH values up to 12). haloalkaliphile 20 0 % NaCl A microorganism that grows optimally at very low pH values, typically between pH 1 and 3. Extreme acidophilic extreme acidophile 3 1 pH A microorganism that can grow in acidic conditions below pH 5 but does not require them for optimal growth. Alkaliphilic acid tolerant 14 0 pH A microorganism that can grow in alkaline conditions above pH 9 but does not require them for optimal growth. Acid-tolerant alkali tolerant 14 6 pH A microorganism that grows optimally at very high pH values, typically above pH 10. Alkali-tolerant extreme alkaliphile 14 9 pH A microorganism that can grow in acidic conditions but does not require them for optimal growth. Extreme alkaliphilic facultative acidophile 14 0 pH A microorganism that requires acidic conditions for growth and survival. obligative acidophile 5 0 pH A microorganism that primarily uses oxygen for respiration but can also grow without it using alternative metabolic pathways. Facultative anaerobe facultative aerobe 100 0 % O2 A microorganism that requires oxygen for growth but at concentrations lower than those found in air (typically 2-10% oxygen). Microaerobe microaerophile 10 0.5 % O2 A microorganism that can tolerate low levels of oxygen but does not require such conditions for growth. Microoxic-tolerant microaerotolerant 10 0 % O2 An anaerobic microorganism that does not use oxygen for metabolism but is not inhibited by its presence. Oxygen-tolerant anaerobe aerotolerant anaerobe 100 0 % O2 A microorganism that absolutely requires oxygen for growth and cannot grow under anaerobic conditions. Aerobe Strict aerobe obligate aerobe 100 1 % O2 A microorganism for which oxygen is toxic and inhibits growth, requiring strictly anaerobic conditions. Anaerobe Strict anaerobe obligate anaerobe 0 0 % O2 An organism that uses light energy for photosynthesis, producing oxygen as a byproduct. Oxygenic phototrophic oxygenic phototroph An organism that uses light energy for photosynthesis without producing oxygen. Anoxygenic phototrophic anoxygenic phototroph An organism that uses energy from chemical reactions to fix carbon dioxide for growth. Chemoautotrophic chemoautotroph An organism that obtains both energy and carbon from organic compounds. Chemoheterotrophic chemoheterotroph An organism that obtains energy from the oxidation of inorganic compounds. Lithotrophic lithotroph An organism that obtains energy from the oxidation of organic compounds. Organotrophic organotroph An organism that uses light as its primary energy source. Phototrophic phototroph An organism that obtains energy from chemical reactions. Chemotrophic chemotroph An organism adapted to environments with low nutrient levels. Oligotrophic oligotroph An organism adapted to environments with high nutrient levels. Copiotrophic copiotroph An organism that uses inorganic compounds for both energy and carbon. Lithoautotrophic lithoautotroph An organism capable of both autotrophic and heterotrophic nutrition. Mixotrophic mixotroph An organism that uses inorganic compounds for energy but organic compounds for carbon. Lithoheterotrophic lithoheterotroph An organism that uses organic compounds for both energy and carbon. Chemoorganoheterotrophic chemoorganoheterotroph An organism that uses inorganic compounds for energy and CO2 for carbon. Chemolithoautotrophic chemolithoautotroph An organism that can use one-carbon compounds as a source of energy and carbon. Methylotrophic methylotroph An organism that uses methane as its sole source of carbon and energy. Methanotrophic methanotroph An organism that obtains energy from the oxidation of molecular hydrogen. Hydrogenophile Hydrogenophilic hydrogenotroph An organism that oxidizes hydrogen for energy. Hydrogen-oxidizing hydrogen oxidizer An organism that produces hydrogen as a byproduct of its metabolism. Hydrogen-producing hydrogen producer An organism capable of converting atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia. Nitrogen-fixing nitrogen fixer An organism that produces methane as a byproduct of its metabolism. Methanogenic methanogen An organism that oxidizes sulfur compounds for energy. Sulfur-oxidizing sulfur oxidizer An organism that reduces nitrate to nitrogen gas in anaerobic respiration. Denitrifying denitrifier A microorganism capable of self-propelled movement. motile A microorganism incapable of self-propelled movement. non-motile A motile microorganism that moves using one or more flagella. flagellated A flagellated microorganism with flagella distributed over the entire cell surface. peritrichous A flagellated microorganism with a tuft of flagella at one or both poles of the cell. lophotrichous A flagellated microorganism with a single flagellum at one pole of the cell. monotrichous A motile microorganism that moves using numerous short, hair-like structures called cilia. ciliated A motile microorganism that moves by sliding over surfaces without the use of flagella or cilia. gliding A motile microorganism that moves using type IV pili in a jerky, start-stop motion. twitching A motile microorganism that moves passively over surfaces due to the production of extracellular substances. sliding A resting spore produced by myxobacteria during unfavorable conditions. myxospores Asexual spores produced by fungi, typically at the tips of specialized hyphae. conidia A thick-walled resting spore formed from a cell of a fungal hypha. chlamydospores A protective cyst-like structure containing sporozoites in some protists. sporocysts A dormant stage of some dinoflagellates, formed under unfavorable conditions. hypnospores Small, multicellular propagules produced by some bryophytes for asexual reproduction. gemmae A spore formed without fusion of gametes, typically in zygomycetes. azygospores Asexual spores formed by the disarticulation of vegetative hyphae. aleuriospores Asexual spores produced on a stalk-like structure called a sterigma. stylospores A compact mass of hardened fungal mycelium containing food reserves. sclerotia A type of resting spore produced by rust and smut fungi. teliospores Asexual spores produced by rust fungi during their life cycle. urediniospores Asexual spores produced within a pycnidium, a flask-shaped fruiting body. pycnidiospores Asexual spores produced in chains at the tips of conidiophores. acriospores Non-motile spores that lack flagella, typically produced by algae. aplanospores Non-motile spores that lack the ability to swim. statismospores An organism that can tolerate high pressure but grows optimally at normal atmospheric pressure. piezotolerant 100 1 atm An organism that is adversely affected by high pressure conditions. piezosensitive 10 1 atm An organism that requires high pressure for growth and cannot grow at atmospheric pressure. Obligate piezophile obligate barophile 1000 10 atm An organism that grows optimally under high pressure but can also grow at atmospheric pressure. Facultative piezophile facultative barophile 1000 1 atm An organism adapted to extremely high pressure environments. Hyperbarophilic hyperbarophile 1500 100 atm An organism adapted to low pressure environments. Hypobarophilic hypobarophile 1 0.1 atm An organism adapted to grow at standard atmospheric pressure. atmospheric pressure-adapted 1 1 atm An organism that grows optimally at moderately high pressures. Moderate barophile moderate piezophile 100 10 atm An organism that grows optimally at very high pressures. Extreme barophile extreme piezophile 1500 100 atm An organism that can only grow within a narrow range of pressures. Stenobaric stenopiezic 100 1 atm An organism that can grow across a wide range of pressures. Eurybaric eurypiezic 1000 1 atm An organism whose growth or metabolism is negatively affected by changes in pressure. pressure-sensitive 10 1 atm An organism that can withstand significant changes in pressure without adverse effects. pressure-resistant 1000 1 atm An organism that has evolved to thrive under specific pressure conditions. pressure-adapted 1000 1 atm An organism that grows optimally under both high pressure and acidic conditions. Piezo-acidophilic piezo-acidophile 1000 10 atm An organism that grows optimally under both high pressure and alkaline conditions. Piezo-alkaliphilic piezo-alkaliphile 1000 10 atm An organism that grows optimally under both high pressure and high salinity conditions. Piezo-halophilic piezo-halophile 1000 10 atm An organism that grows optimally under both high pressure and low temperature conditions. Piezo-psychrophilic piezo-psychrophile 1000 10 atm An organism that grows optimally under both high pressure and high temperature conditions. Piezo-thermophilic piezo-thermophile 1000 10 atm An organism that uses inorganic compounds for energy and carbon under high pressure conditions. Piezo-lithoautotrophic piezo-lithoautotrophe 1000 10 atm An organism that uses organic compounds for energy and carbon under high pressure conditions. Piezo-chemoheterotrophic piezo-chemoheterotroph 1000 10 atm An organism adapted to low-nutrient environments under high pressure conditions. Piezo-oligotrophic piezo-oligotroph 1000 10 atm An organism that lives within rock or mineral substrates under high pressure conditions. piezo-endolithic 1000 10 atm An organism that can tolerate a range of pressure conditions but does not necessarily require high pressure for optimal growth. piezo-tolerant 1000 1 atm A genomic feature characterized by a guanine-cytosine content percentage below 42.65% in an organism's DNA. GC low GC_<42.65 42.65 % GC A genomic feature characterized by a guanine-cytosine content percentage between 42.65% and 57% in an organism's DNA. GC mid1 GC_42.65_57.0 57 42.65 % GC A genomic feature characterized by a guanine-cytosine content percentage between 57% and 66.3% in an organism's DNA. GC mid2 GC_57.0_66.3 66.3 57 % GC A genomic feature characterized by a guanine-cytosine content percentage above 66.3% in an organism's DNA. GC high GC_>66.3 66.3 % GC A cell dimension characterized by a lateral measurement less than 0.5 micrometers across the microbial cell. cell width very low W_<0.5 0.5 uM A cell dimension characterized by a lateral measurement between 0.5 and 0.65 micrometers across the microbial cell. cell width low W_0.5_0.65 0.65 0.5 uM A cell dimension characterized by a lateral measurement between 0.65 and 0.9 micrometers across the microbial cell. cell width mid W_0.65_0.9 0.9 0.65 uM A cell dimension characterized by a lateral measurement greater than 0.9 micrometers across the microbial cell. cell width high W_>0.9 0.9 uM A cell dimension characterized by a longitudinal measurement less than 1.3 micrometers along the microbial cell's primary axis. cell length very low L_<1.3 1.3 uM A cell dimension characterized by a longitudinal measurement between 1.3 and 2 micrometers along the microbial cell's primary axis. cell length low L_1.3_2 2 1.3 uM A cell dimension characterized by a longitudinal measurement between 2 and 3 micrometers along the microbial cell's primary axis. cell length mid L_2_3 3 2 uM A cell dimension characterized by a longitudinal measurement greater than 3 micrometers along the microbial cell's primary axis. cell length high L_>3 3 uM A temperature optimum manifested as maximum microbial growth at temperatures below 10°C, typical of psychrophilic organisms. Psychrophile temperature optimum very low TO_<10 10 C A temperature optimum manifested as maximum microbial growth at temperatures between 10°C and 22°C, common in psychrophilic or psychrotolerant organisms. Psychrophile Psychrotolerant temperature optimum low TO_10_to_22 22 10 C A temperature optimum manifested as maximum microbial growth at temperatures between 22°C and 27°C, characteristic of mesophilic organisms. Mesophilie temperature optimum mid1 TO_22_to_27 27 22 C A temperature optimum manifested as maximum microbial growth at temperatures between 27°C and 30°C, characteristic of mesophilic organisms. Mesophilie temperature optimum mid2 TO_27_to_30 30 27 C A temperature optimum manifested as maximum microbial growth at temperatures between 30°C and 34°C, characteristic of mesophilic organisms. Mesophilie temperature optimum mid3 TO_30_to_34 34 30 C A temperature optimum manifested as maximum microbial growth at temperatures between 34°C and 40°C, characteristic of mesophilic organisms. Mesophilie temperature optimum mid4 TO_34_to_40 40 34 C A temperature optimum manifested as maximum microbial growth at temperatures above 40°C, typical of thermophilic organisms. Thermophile temperature optimum high TO_>40 40 C A temperature range allowing microbial growth at temperatures below 10°C, characteristic of psychrophilic organisms. Psychrophile temperature range very low TR_<10 10 C A temperature range allowing microbial growth at temperatures between 10°C and 22°C, characteristic of psychrophilic or psychrotolerant organisms. Psychrophile Psychrotolerant temperature range low TR_10_to_22 22 10 C A temperature range allowing microbial growth at temperatures between 22°C and 27°C, characteristic of mesophilic organisms. Mesophilie temperature range mid1 TR_22_to_27 27 22 C A temperature range allowing microbial growth at temperatures between 27°C and 30°C, characteristic of mesophilic organisms. Mesophilie temperature range mid2 TR_27_to_30 30 27 C A temperature range allowing microbial growth at temperatures between 30°C and 34°C, characteristic of mesophilic organisms. Mesophilie temperature range mid3 TR_30_to_34 34 30 C A temperature range allowing microbial growth at temperatures between 34°C and 40°C, characteristic of mesophilic organisms. Mesophilie temperature range mid4 TR_34_to_40 40 34 C A temperature range allowing microbial growth at temperatures above 40°C, characteristic of thermophilic organisms. Thermophile temperature range high TR_>40 40 C A pH optimum manifested as maximum microbial growth at hydrogen ion concentrations between pH 0 and 6, characteristic of acidophilic organisms. Acid Tolerant Acidophile Extreme Acidophile Facultative acidophile Obligative acidophile pH optimum low pHO_0_to_6 6 0 pH A pH optimum manifested as maximum microbial growth at hydrogen ion concentrations between pH 6 and 7, characteristic of neutrophilic or alkali-tolerant organisms. Alkali Tolerant Neutrophile pH optimum mid1 pHO_6_to_7 7 6 pH A pH optimum manifested as maximum microbial growth at hydrogen ion concentrations between pH 7 and 8, characteristic of neutrophilic, alkaliphilic, or alkali-tolerant organisms. Alkali Tolerant Alkaliphile Neutrophile pH optimum mid2 pHO_7_to_8 8 7 pH A pH optimum manifested as maximum microbial growth at hydrogen ion concentrations between pH 8 and 14, characteristic of alkaliphilic or extremely alkaliphilic organisms. Alkali Tolerant Alkaliphile Extreme Alkaliphile pH optimum high pHO_8_to_14 14 8 pH A pH range allowing microbial growth at hydrogen ion concentrations between pH 0 and 4, characteristic of extremely acidophilic organisms. Acid Tolerant Acidophile Extreme Acidophile Facultative acidophile Obligative acidophile pH range very low pHR_0_to_4 4 0 pH A pH range allowing microbial growth at hydrogen ion concentrations between pH 4 and 6, characteristic of acidophilic organisms. Acid Tolerant Acidophile Facultative acidophile Obligative acidophile pH range low pHR_4_to_6 6 4 pH A pH range allowing microbial growth at hydrogen ion concentrations between pH 6 and 7, characteristic of neutrophilic organisms. Alkali Tolerant Facultative acidophile Neutrophile pH range mid1 pHR_6_to_7 7 6 pH A pH range allowing microbial growth at hydrogen ion concentrations between pH 7 and 8, characteristic of neutrophilic or alkaliphilic organisms. Alkali Tolerant Alkaliphile Facultative acidophile Neutrophile pH range mid2 pHR_7_to_8 8 7 pH A pH range allowing microbial growth at hydrogen ion concentrations between pH 8 and 10, characteristic of alkaliphilic organisms. Alkali Tolerant Alkaliphile Extreme Alkaliphile Facultative acidophile pH range mid3 pHR_8_to_10 10 8 pH A pH range allowing microbial growth at hydrogen ion concentrations between pH 10 and 14, characteristic of extremely alkaliphilic organisms. Alkali Tolerant Alkaliphile Extreme Alkaliphile pH range high 10_to_14 14 10 pH A salinity optimum manifested as maximum microbial growth at sodium chloride concentrations below 1%, characteristic of non-halophilic or halotolerant organisms. Halotolerant Non-halophile NaCl optimum low NaR_<1 1 % NaCl A salinity optimum manifested as maximum microbial growth at sodium chloride concentrations between 1% and 3%, characteristic of slight halophiles or halotolerant organisms. Halotolerant Slight halophile NaCl optimum mid1 NaR_1_to_3 3 1 % NaCl A salinity optimum manifested as maximum microbial growth at sodium chloride concentrations between 3% and 8%, characteristic of moderate halophiles or halotolerant organisms. Halotolerant Moderate halophile NaCl optimum mid2 NaR_3_to_8 8 3 % NaCl A salinity optimum manifested as maximum microbial growth at sodium chloride concentrations above 8%, characteristic of extreme halophiles. Extreme halophile NaCl optimum high NaR_>8 8 % NaCl A salinity range allowing microbial growth at sodium chloride concentrations below 1%, characteristic of non-halophilic organisms. Halotolerant Non-halophile NaCl range low NaO_<1 1 % NaCl A salinity range allowing microbial growth at sodium chloride concentrations between 1% and 3%, characteristic of slight halophiles. Halotolerant Slight halophile NaCl range mid1 NaO_1_to_3 3 1 % NaCl A salinity range allowing microbial growth at sodium chloride concentrations between 3% and 8%, characteristic of moderate halophiles. Halotolerant Moderate halophile NaCl range mid2 NaO_3_to_8 8 3 % NaCl A salinity range allowing microbial growth at sodium chloride concentrations above 8%, characteristic of extreme halophiles. Extreme halophile NaCl range high NaO_>8 8 % NaCl A growth tolerance metric measuring the span of pH conditions that support an organism's growth, with a narrow range less than 1 pH unit. pH delta very low pHd_<1 1 pH A growth tolerance metric measuring the span of pH conditions that support an organism's growth, with a range between 1 and 2 pH units. pH delta low pHd_1_2 2 1 pH A growth tolerance metric measuring the span of pH conditions that support an organism's growth, with a range between 2 and 3 pH units. pH delta mid1 pHd_2_3 3 2 pH A growth tolerance metric measuring the span of pH conditions that support an organism's growth, with a range between 3 and 4 pH units. pH delta mid2 pHd_3_4 4 3 pH A growth tolerance metric measuring the span of pH conditions that support an organism's growth, with a range between 4 and 5 pH units. pH delta mid3 pHd_4_5 5 4 pH A growth tolerance metric measuring the span of pH conditions that support an organism's growth, with a wide range between 5 and 9 pH units. pH delta high pHd_5_9 9 5 pH A growth tolerance metric measuring the span of sodium chloride concentrations that support an organism's growth, with a narrow range less than 1%. NaCl delta low Nad_<1 1 C A growth tolerance metric measuring the span of sodium chloride concentrations that support an organism's growth, with a range between 1% and 3%. NaCl delta mid1 Nad_1_3 3 1 C A growth tolerance metric measuring the span of sodium chloride concentrations that support an organism's growth, with a range between 3% and 8%. NaCl delta mid2 Nad_3_8 8 3 C A growth tolerance metric measuring the span of sodium chloride concentrations that support an organism's growth, with a wide range greater than 8%. NaCl delta high Nad_>8 8 C A growth tolerance metric measuring the span of temperatures that support an organism's growth, with a narrow range between 1°C and 5°C. temperature delta very low Td_1_5 5 1 C A growth tolerance metric measuring the span of temperatures that support an organism's growth, with a range between 5°C and 10°C. temperature delta low Td_5_10 10 5 C A growth tolerance metric measuring the span of temperatures that support an organism's growth, with a range between 10°C and 20°C. temperature delta mid1 Td_10_20 20 10 C A growth tolerance metric measuring the span of temperatures that support an organism's growth, with a range between 20°C and 30°C. temperature delta mid2 Td_20_30 30 20 C A growth tolerance metric measuring the span of temperatures that support an organism's growth, with a wide range greater than 30°C. temperature delta high Td_>30 30 C A cell with multiple branches or extensions. branched A short rod-shaped cell, intermediate between bacillus and coccus. coccobacillus A curved, crescent-shaped cell. crescent A cell with a slight curve or bend. curved A cell with a curved spiral shape. curved spiral Two spherical cells attached to each other. diplococcus A cell with an elongated oval shape. ellipsoidal A long, thin, thread-like cell. filament A cell with a spindle-like shape, wider in the middle and tapering at both ends. fusiform A cell with a spiral shape, forming a three-dimensional helix. helical A cell with an inconsistent or non-uniform shape. irregular A cell with an egg-shaped outline. oval A cell with an egg-like shape, slightly elongated. ovoid A cell capable of assuming various shapes. pleomorphic A cell shaped like a circular band or loop. ring A straight, elongated cell. rod A perfectly round cell. sphere A cell with a shape that tapers at both ends. spindle A cell with a tight, coiled shape. spiral A cell that can assume star-shaped, dumbbell-shaped, or various other forms. star - dumbbell - pleomorphic A cell with a main body and a tail-like extension. tailed A physiological adjustment that enables an organism to survive and reproduce at a specific temperature range. temperature adaptation A set of mechanisms that allows an organism to maintain homeostasis in environments with particular salt concentrations. salinity adaptation A combination of cellular processes that permits survival and growth under specific hydrogen ion concentrations. pH adaptation A classification of resistant dormant structures produced by bacteria based on their formation and properties. bacterial spore A set of physiological and molecular mechanisms that enable survival under specific hydrostatic pressure conditions. pressure adaptation type The span of hydrostatic pressures within which an organism can maintain viability and cellular functions. pressure tolerance range sensitivity to oxygen sensitivity toward size 1-D extent width length sensitivity toward pressure sensitivity toward nacl sensitivity toward ph sensitivity toward temperature microbe chemical entity antimicrobial susceptibility assay result structured susceptibility detail 2025-04-25 Microbial ecophysiological trait and phenotype ontology METPO 2025-04-25