Amino Acids ~ A building block of proteins.There are over twenty different types of amino acids. A long string of amino acids form a protein.

Antibiotic ~ A chemical compound that can inhibit growth or kill microorganisms

Antibodies ~ Proteins of the immune system that cling on to foreign substances to allow white blood cells to detect the intruders and destroy them.

Bacteria ~ Single celled microorganisms, some of which can harm the body and cause disease. Most bacteria are harmless, some are beneficial or even essential.

Bubonic Plague ~ A contagious, often fatal disease characterized by fever, chills, prostration, delirium, and buboes (inflammation of lymph glands, particularly in the armpits and groin).

Cell ~ A small, membrane enclosed unit consisting of DNA, proteins, and chemicals needed for processing food and reproduction. All plants and animals are made up of cells.

Coma ~ A state of deep unconsciousness due to accidents or illness.

Delirium ~ A temporary state of confusion sometimes accompanied by slurring of speech and hallucination.

DNA ~ Deoxyribonucleic Acid. A strand of material which has encoded information to determine traits of a specific organism. The sequence of amino acids are determined by DNA.

Electron Microscope ~ A form of microscope that operates by bombarding a thin object with electrons instead of light and detecting areas where electrons don't get through (shadow), indicating the shape of the object above.

Encephalitis ~ Inflammation of the brain.

Filovirus ~ Thread-like virus including Ebola and Marburg viruses.

Germs ~ Any microorganism that causes illness, including viruses, bacteria and parasites.

Immune System ~ A function of the body designed to ward off and destroy disease causing microorganisms.

Insomnia ~ A disorder characterized by the inability to sleep.

Meningitis~ Inflammation of the spinal cord, and/or the membranes around the brain.

Nervous System ~ The collection of nerves and throughout the body, each sending signals to the brain such as pain, heat, cold, etc.

Penicillin ~ An antibiotic used to cure or stop the spread of certain infections, due to its ability to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria.

Peripheral Neuritis ~ Inflamation of the nerve endings.

Prion ~ an infectious protein.

Proteins ~ Strings of amino acids which make enzymes and structural parts essential for cell metabolism and growth.

Pustules ~ A small inflamed elevation of the skin, containing pus.

RNA ~ Ribonucleic Acid. Strings of organic material obtained from instructions by DNA. The function is to temporarily store the code necessary to produce amino acids.

Shock ~ A stressed condition of the body caused by major trauma.

Spleen ~ An organ that houses blood cells.

Strain ~ Muscular injury produced by overuse or abuse of the muscle.

Virus ~ A tiny piece of DNA or RNA usually surrounded by a shell of proteins or fats which can infect a cell.

Vaccine ~ Weakened or destroyed microorganisms or viruses introduced to the body to stimulate antibody production for the illness.