microbial dormancy

[maɪˈkroʊbiəl ˈdɔrmənsi]
nounpl: microbial dormancies
dormência microbiana
1. A state of reduced metabolic activity in microorganisms where growth and reproduction are temporarily suspended, allowing cells to survive unfavorable environmental conditions
Bacterial spore formation is a classic example of microbial dormancy that enables survival during nutrient starvation.
A formação de esporos bacterianos é um exemplo clássico de dormência microbiana que permite a sobrevivência durante a privação de nutrientes.
2. A reversible physiological state characterized by minimal metabolic activity and reduced responsiveness to environmental stimuli
Microbial dormancy can last from hours to decades depending on the organism and environmental conditions.
A dormência microbiana pode durar de horas a décadas, dependendo do organismo e das condições ambientais.
This is a specialized scientific term primarily used in microbiology, biotechnology, and environmental science fields. It is equally used in Brazil, Portugal, and English-speaking countries in academic and research contexts. The concept is particularly important in food preservation, pharmaceutical storage, and environmental microbiology studies.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
bacterial dormancymicrobial quiescencemetabolic dormancymicrobial stasis
Antonyms / Antônimos
microbial growthactive metabolismexponential phasevegetative state

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
dormência microbiana
Standard term used in microbiology and biology textbooks across Brazil
São Paulo
dormência microbiana
Commonly used in academic and research institutions
Portugal
dormência microbiana
Same term used in Portuguese scientific literature

Related Words

spore formationviable but nonculturable (VBNC)stationary phasecryptobiosisstress responsesurvival strategymetabolic rateenvironmental stress

Related Idioms & Phrases

survival mechanism
state of suspension
biological pause
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →