Adaptive Mutation - A mechanism through which certain cells can increase the rate in which genetic mutations occur, often in response to stress. This mechanism may help explain how bacteria develop resistance to certain antibiotics.⏎
Antibiotic Resistance - The process through which pathogenic microorganisms, by way of genetic mutation, develop the ability to withstand exposure to the drugs that had once been successful in eradicating them.⏎
Category A Agents - A class of biological agents that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention views as posing the highest priority risk to U.S. national security.⏎
Chromosome - An organized structure of DNA and proteins within the nucleus of a cell that contains many genes.⏎
Chronic Disease - Any disease that is long lasting (3 months or more) or recurrent—as opposed to an acute disease—and cannot be prevented by a vaccine or cured by medication.⏎