Microbiology

As the name suggests, MICROBES are microscopic organisms.

They can only be seen using a microscope.

Microbiology – is the study of small living things ; viruses, bacteria and fungi

MovementRespirationSensitivityGrowthReproductionExcretionNutrition

Note: A living organism must be able to demonstrate that it can perform ALL the 7 life processes.

Microbes can be put into a number of categories. The three types which you need to know about are listed below:

BACTERIAVIRUS

FUNGI

bacteria

virus

fungi

Microbe pictures

Microbes multiply very rapidly. Two can, very quickly, become four then eight and so on.

Bacteria• Usually named after

their shape – rods, cones etc.

• Some cause diseases – Tuberculosis, while others are friendly – those growing on your skin.

• Found everywhere!!

BacteriaUseful

• Used in cheese making

• Bacteria are put into milk to make yoghurt

• Bacteria break down grass into silage which can be stored for feeding cattle

• Decomposers in soil break down dead and decaying matter to release nutrients

Harmful• Disease e.g. food

poisoning, pneumonia etc

• Food spoilage e.g. cause milk to go sour

• Tooth decay – cavities are caused by bacteria feeding on sugars on the teeth

Viruses

• Smallest microbes.

• Some cause diseases – Flu, while others only infect bacteria and leave us alone.

• Found everywhere!!

Fungi

• Largest microbes – sometimes what you can see is only used for spreading spores.

• Some cause diseases – Athletes Foot, while others are friendly and help us - decomposers.

• Found everywhere!!

FungiUseful

• Used in brewing – yeast is used to make alcohol

• Used in baking – yeast is added to dough to make it rise

• Decomposers in soil• Used to produce

antibiotics e.g. penecillin

• Used to make flavoursome cheeses

Harmful

• Food spoilage e.g. cause bread to go mouldy

• Cause athlete’s foot and ringworm of the scalp

• Cause dry rot of wood

Parasite – a living thing that feeds off another living things causing it harm

Saprophyte – feed off dead and decaying organisms

Microbes can cause disease

The diseases and their severity caused by microbes depend on the type of microbe. Some of these are listed below.

VIRUSES (know 3) BACTERIA (know 3)Influenza (flu)

Food poisoning

Mumps Sore throats

Chickenpox Tuberculosis (TB)

Smallpox Tetanus

Polio Cholera

Rabies Typhoid

German measles Whooping cough

FUNGI

fungal sinusitis

Athletes foot

OnychomycosisCauses discoloured

toe nails

ViralMeningitis

Common Cold

Bacterialmeningitis

How do we stop microbes spreading disease

We can prevent the spread of disease by making sure that good hygiene is used in key places such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Chemicals called antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial infections.

Antibiotics are chemicals produced by bacteria and fungi which kill or prevent reproduction of other bacteria

Biotechnology• Is the use of living things or parts of

living things to produce useful products

• Organisms used in biotechnolgy include plants, animals and micro-organisms

• Used to produce products e.g. food, drugs, alcohol, hormones and enzymes

Industrial uses of Biotechnology

① Yeast is used in breweries to produce alcohol

② Bacteria are used to produce specialised enzymes which are added to washing powders and stain removers

these enzymes help to remove difficult stains like fat, blood and ink

Medical uses of Biotechnology

① Bacteria and fungi are used to make antibiotics

② Altered organisms are used to produce medically important products:

- Insulin for diabetics

- Chemicals needed to clot blood are used by haemophiliacs [cannot clot their own blood]