8.5 The impact of Microorganisms on Life

Microorganism

Tiny living things that only can be seen using microscope

Classified based on their characteristics (appearance, shape, size, method of reproduction, nutrition and habitat)

Classified into 5 groups:

1. Viruses – smallest microorganisms, not a living cell and must use living cells to reproduce. (E.g. HIV, Influenza virus etc.)

2. Bacteria – unicellular organisms, have cell wall, form spores under unfavourable condition and have 3 common shape spherical, rod-shaped and spiral. (E.g. Lactobacillus sp., Straphyloccous sp. etc.)

Microorganism

3. Protozoa – unicellular organism, have plasma membrane and can carry out living processes. (E.g. Amoeba sp., Paramecium sp. etc.)

4. Algae – have chlorophyl and chloroplast, can undergoes photosynthesis process. (E.g. Spirogyra sp.)

Microorganism

3. Fungi – heterotrophic microorganisms, feeds by secreting enzymes that break down the surrounding organic material into simple molecule before absorb them. (E.g. Mucor sp., yeast etc.)

Microorganism

The effects of abiotic components on the activity of microorganisms

What are abiotic factors? How the abiotic factors effects the

activity of microorganisms?

The role of useful microorganisms in the ecosystem

Roles of microorganisms

in ecosystem

Decomposition The nitrogen cycle

Digesting animal’s food

Digesting human’s food

The harmful microorganisms

Microorganisms that cause diseases are called pathogens

Pathogens are classified as parasites or saprophytes

They cause diseases in two ways:1. Produce poisonous chemical2. Attack and destroy host cells and body

tissues

Transmission of diseases

Controlling pathogens

The uses of microorganisms in biotechnology

Biotechnology – application of biological processes in the manufacturing and servicing industries

The use of microorganisms

in biotechnology

Production of antibiotics, vaccines

and hormones

Waste treatment

Production of biodegradable plastic

(bioplastic)

Cleaning of oil spills

Production of energy from biomass

Food processing

8.6 Appreciating Biodiversity

How to appreciate biodiversity?

Through conservation and preservation.

Exercise

Do Focus Practice 8.5 on page 198 in the textbook.