Micro-Organisms

What is a Micro-Organism?

• An living organism that is too small to be seen with the naked eye.

• Also known as “microbes”. • They are found everywhere in the world. • You need a microscope to see them. • There are many different types of

microorganisms including: - bacteria -fungi -viruses -algae

http://www.pbs.org/strangedays/glossary/M.htmlhttp://library.thinkquest.org/CR0212089/micr.htm

What do Micro-Organisms Do?

• Micro-Organisms do just about anything, but most are responsible for breaking things down.

• Some cause diseases (bacteria, viruses, fungi). • Some break down soil into food for plants to

absorb. • Some are used in medicine to help cure

diseases. http://www.biology4kids.com/files/micro_bacteria.htmlhttp://library.thinkquest.org/CR0212089/micr.htm

Bacteria

• Single-celled. • Reproduce through Asexual reproduction. • Live everywhere. • Can live in extremely hot and extremely cold

temperatures. • Can cause food poisoning, acne, and cavities. • Help waste decompose, make oxygen, and

break down food. http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SciencePEBacteriaFriendOrFoeAndProperHandWashing45.htm

Fungi

• Mushrooms, rust and yeast are examples of fungi.

• Can be uni-cellular or multi-cellular.• Reproduce through sexual reproduction. • Fungi break down dead and organic matter

into nutrients to be absorbed by plants.

http://tolweb.org/Fungihttp://library.thinkquest.org/CR0212089/fungi.htm

Viruses

• Cause infectious diseases. • Replicates in the cells of another organism. • Have genes made of DNA and RNA. • Millions of different types of viruses. • Infect both plants and animals. • Smaller than bacteria.

http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-a-Virus.aspxhttp://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=5997