# Glossary

## axenic

An axenic culture is a culture that contains a *single* species. In other words, an axenic culture is uncontaminated by other organisms.

## bacteria

A taxonomic [domain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domain_\(biology\)) of life.

Bacteria are an example of a [microorganism](#microorganism-or-microbe).

Usually, consists of a single [cell](#cell).

## cell

The basic unit of life. Exists in all organisms.

In the context of BactoBox®, we focus on [microbes](#microorganism-or-microbe) such as [bacteria](#bacteria).

## culture or cell culture

In practical terms, this is everything inside your [vessel](#vessel-or-reaction-vessel) (e.g., inside your bioreactor).

The culture includes:

* ([microbial](#microbial)) [cells](#cell)\ <mark style="color:$info;">E.g., bacteria</mark>
* Growth medium\ <mark style="color:$info;">Usually a liquid. Turbidity and viscosity varies from bioprocess to bioprocess.</mark>
* Anything that the cells produce, expel, or turn into

The industry sometimes uses more specific terms for their culture. E.g.:

* microbial culture or bioreactor culture
* broth, fermentation broth, or culture broth
* biomass suspension or cell suspension

See also:

* [#seed-culture-or-starter-culture-or-inoculum](#seed-culture-or-starter-culture-or-inoculum "mention")

## microbial

Of or relating to [microbes](#microorganism-or-microbe).

## microorganism or microbe

An organism of microscopic size.

Essentially, an organism that requires a microscope to see properly. Usually measured on the microscopic length scale in the [micrometre](#micrometre-or-micron) unit (µm).

Purely related to the *size* of the organis&#x6D;*.* Orthogonal to [taxonomy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxonomy_\(biology\)). Can be either single-celled or a colony of cells.

Examples:

* Bacteria. Typically 0.5–5 µm in size.
* Yeast (single-celled fungi). Typically 3–4 µm in size.
* Microalgae. Typically 1–10² µm in size.

## micrometre or micron

Unit of length equivalent to 10⁻⁶ metres (one millionth of a metre).

Uses the µm symbol.

## seed culture or starter culture or inoculum

In practical terms, the [culture](#culture-or-cell-culture) that you add to your [vessel](#vessel-or-reaction-vessel) (e.g., your bioreactor) at the very start of the [bioprocess](broken://pages/wNK0MDiiz1poajmQZcVk).

The seed culture grows inside the vessel during the bioprocess. In the end, it becomes the culture that you harvest for further processing downstream.

The industry sometimes uses more specific terms for their seed culture. E.g.:

* starter biomass
* starter sludge
* starting material

## vessel or reaction vessel

Controlled environment that contains your [culture](#culture).

Examples:

* Bioreactor. For large volumes during scale-up.
* Scale-down bioreactor. For medium volumes.
* Shake flask. For small volumes during screening.
* Wave bag.
* T-flask.
* Microplate (microwell plate). For very small volumes during early screening.

Also known as:

* Culture vessel


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