What Are Microorganisms?
Microorganisms are tiny living organisms visible only under a microscope.
Types include:
Bacteria: Single-celled organisms found everywhere (e.g., in soil, water, and our bodies).
Viruses: Non-living particles that infect living cells to reproduce (e.g., flu virus).
Fungi: This includes molds and yeasts, necessary for decomposition and making foods like bread.
Protists: Diverse group, including algae and amoebas.
Archaea: Ancient microorganisms thriving in extreme environments.
Why Are Microorganisms Important?
Microorganisms are vital to ecosystems, human health, and industries, shaping life on Earth.
Ecosystem Support
- Decompose organic matter, recycling nutrients.
- Produce oxygen (e.g., algae through photosynthesis).
Human Health
- Aid digestion and boost immunity (e.g., gut bacteria).
- They cause diseases like COVID-19, malaria, tuberculosis, and others but also help fight them (e.g., vaccines and antibiotics).
Everyday Use
- Food production (yogurt, cheese, bread).
- Waste treatment and bioremediation (cleaning oil spills).
Innovation & Research
- Biotechnology advancements (e.g., insulin production).
- Renewable energy (e.g., biofuels from microorganisms)
Fun Facts
Here are some interesting facts about microorganisms:
- Microorganisms, like tardigrades and archaea, can survive in extreme environments, from boiling hot springs to Antarctic ice.
- Microorganisms like cyanobacteria have existed for over 3.5 billion years.
- The yeast used in baking is a microorganism that produces carbon dioxide to make bread rise.
- One gram of soil can contain up to 1 billion bacteria!
- Penicillin, the first antibiotic, comes from a fungus called Penicillium.
Review
Let’s quickly recap what we learned about microorganisms:
- What tool is needed to see microorganisms? Microscope
- What type of microorganism includes molds and yeasts? Fungi
- Which beneficial microorganisms help digest food in our gut? Bacteria
- What kind of microorganism infects living cells to reproduce? Viruses
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