Across
- 3. Microscopic single-celled prokaryotes, some helpful, some harmful
- 5. Causing infection only when host defenses are weak
- 8. Kingdom of yeasts, molds, and mushrooms
- 9. Sum of chemical reactions sustaining life
- 11. Molecule that triggers an immune response
- 12. Acellular particle that hijacks host cells for replication
- 14. Degree of pathogenic severity or aggressiveness
- 18. Small circular DNA in bacteria, often carrying resistance genes
- 22. Collection of all microbes and their genes in a habitat
- 24. Hospital-acquired, as in certain infections
- 25. Breakdown of food into absorbable molecules
Down
- 1. Substances that supply energy or building blocks
- 2. Close interspecies interaction, mutual or otherwise
- 3. Virus that infects bacteria
- 4. Yogurt-friendly lactic-acid bacterium genus
- 6. Essential organic micronutrient required in tiny amounts
- 7. Lives in or on host without harming or helping
- 10. Drugs that kill or inhibit bacteria
- 13. Pattern of food consumption affecting health
- 15. Study of disease distribution in populations
- 16. Non-digestible fibers that feed beneficial gut microbes
- 17. Wave-like muscular contractions that propel gut contents
- 19. Surface-lining cell type forming protective sheets
- 20. Inner cavity of a hollow organ
- 21. Disease-causing microorganism
- 23. Catch-all term for microscopic life form