Ribosome: a RNA and protein macromolecule that is the site of protein synthesis or "translation"; made up of two subunits (large and small).

RNA: ribonucleic acid; made up of nucleotide building blocks (specifically ribonucleotides); can contain a copy of the genetic information of a gene (i.e., mRNA); can transport amino acids to the ribosome and decode the genetic information on the mRNA (i.e., tRNA); can catalyze the synthesis of proteins (large ribosomal RNA subunit).

DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid; made up of nucleotide building blocks (specifically deoxynucleotides); the macromolecule that stores genetic information to pass from one generation to the next.

Protein: made of amino acid building blocks; the work horses of the cell, performing most cellular functions.

Gene: a segment of DNA containing all the information needed to make a protein.

Translation: the act of converting the genetic information found on an mRNA to protein. This is done by the ribosome.

Antibiotics: compounds the kill microorganisms, e.g. bacteria.

Mutation: a change in the genomic DNA (gene) that can confer a change in the gene product.

Resistance: The ability of bacteria to avoid susceptibility to an antibiotic; mutations, directly or indirectly, are the cause of resistance.