Key terms & definitions

Microorganisms grown in a nutrient medium so that their growth can be studied.

Protection provided by harmless or beneficial microorganisms living on or in the body, usually through competition with pathogens.

Protection provided by harmless resident microorganisms that compete with pathogens.

The community of microorganisms that normally lives on and inside the body.

The local climatic conditions of a small area, which may differ from those of the surrounding area.

An integrated circuit containing a processor, memory and input/output facilities, used to control a device.

A programmable integrated circuit used to control an electronic system.

A small group or setting that represents features of a larger society.

The incorporation of tiny capsules containing a substance into a material, allowing that substance to be released during use.

Enclosing small quantities of a substance within tiny protective shells that can be incorporated into or applied to a textile.

A very fine synthetic fibre used to make fabrics such as lightweight sportswear and absorbent cleaning cloths.

Passing milk through very fine filters to remove microorganisms.

Small loans offered to people who may be unable to obtain conventional bank loans, often to start or expand a small business.

A photograph or other recorded image produced using a microscope.

Small-scale electricity generation in which flowing water turns a turbine connected to a generator.

An instrument used to measure very small lengths, such as the thickness or diameter of an object, to high precision.

A unit of length equal to $10^{-6}$ metres; its symbol is $\mu\text{m}$.

One millionth of a metre: $1\text{ μm}=10^{-6}\text{ m}$.

A unit of length equal to one millionth of a metre: $1\text{ µm} = 10^{-6}\text{ m}$.

A unit equal to one millionth of a metre: $1\text{ µm}=10^{-6}\text{ m}$.

A unit of length equal to $10^{-6}$ metres. There are 1000 micrometres in one millimetre.

A unit of thickness equal to one thousandth of a millimetre: $1000\,\mu\text{m}=1\,\text{mm}$.

A vitamin or mineral needed in small quantities for normal body functioning and health.

A vitamin or mineral needed by the body in small quantities to maintain health.

A microscopic organism, such as a bacterium, yeast or mould, that may grow in food.

An organism that is too small to be seen clearly without magnification.

An organism too small to be seen individually without a microscope.

A microscopic organism, such as a bacterium or yeast. Moulds are fungi whose growth can become visible on food.

A device that converts variations in sound pressure into a corresponding electrical signal.

A very small plastic particle, including a tiny fibre shed by synthetic textiles.