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bacteria (pl.n), bacterium (sin.n) – 1. Very small organism some of which can cause disease known as a pathogen creating toxins which enter the cells and destroy them. Here they will multiply and burst the cell, then find a new cell to enter. Able to mutate every 20 minutes or so. Most are harmless, however. 2. A member of a large group of unicellular microorganisms. Widely distributed in soil, water, air and in or on the tissue of animals and plants. Once classified as part of the plant kingdom, now classified separately as prokaryotes.
They are so promiscuous that biologists cannot even positively identify many of them. Their DNA is shot through with genes borrowed from other species – even other kingdoms of life. Dose them with antibiotics, and they may just depend on a passing virus to grab a handy antibiotic resistance gene.
BCE (Before Common Era) – This and BC (Before Christ) means the same thing – previous to year 1 CE (Common Era). This is the same as year 1 AD (Ano Domini, meaning ‘in the year of the Lord’, ‘in the year of our Lord’).
bioethanol – A biofuel based on alcohol which may be combined with petrol to produce fuel for vehicles. Produced from plants such sugar, cane or maize.
biofuel – A gaseous, liquid or solid form of fuel from a natural source. A fuel derived immediately from living matter as opposed to fossil fuel (typically coal). See also: bioethanol.
biotic – Pertaining to living organisms – plants and animals including microbes. See also: abiotic
braggadocio – Boastful or arrogant behaviour. Vain, empty boasting. A braggart.