Characteristics of Microorganisms

Study Notes

Microorganisms are living organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye
They are typically measured in micrometers (μm) or nanometers (nm)
Microorganisms can be found almost everywhere on Earth, including in soil, water, air, and living organisms

Bacteria: prokaryotic cells, typically 1-5 μm in size, with a cell wall and no nucleus
- Examples: E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis
Viruses: not considered living cells, consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat
- Examples: influenza virus, HIV, COVID-19
Fungi: eukaryotic cells, can be single-celled or multicellular, with a cell wall and a nucleus
- Examples: yeast, mold, mushrooms
Protists: eukaryotic cells, can be single-celled or multicellular, with a cell wall and a nucleus
- Examples: protozoa, algae, slime molds
Archaea: prokaryotic cells, similar to bacteria, but with unique metabolic processes
- Examples: methanogens, thermophiles, halophiles

Binary fission: a type of asexual reproduction where a cell divides into two identical daughter cells
Spores: highly resistant, dormant forms of bacteria and fungi that can survive extreme conditions
Colonies: groups of microorganisms that grow together, often forming visible patterns or structures

Decomposition: microorganisms break down organic matter, recycling nutrients and energy
Nutrient cycling: microorganisms convert elements such as nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur into forms usable by other organisms
Food production: microorganisms are used in fermentation processes to produce foods such as bread, cheese, and yogurt
Human health: microorganisms play a crucial role in the human gut microbiome, influencing digestion and immune function

Microorganisms are living organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye, measured in micrometers (μm) or nanometers (nm)
They can be found almost everywhere on Earth, including in soil, water, air, and living organisms

Bacteria: prokaryotic cells, 1-5 μm in size, with a cell wall and no nucleus, examples include E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis
Viruses: not considered living cells, consisting of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat, examples include influenza virus, HIV, and COVID-19
Fungi: eukaryotic cells, single-celled or multicellular, with a cell wall and a nucleus, examples include yeast, mold, and mushrooms
Protists: eukaryotic cells, single-celled or multicellular, with a cell wall and a nucleus, examples include protozoa, algae, and slime molds
Archaea: prokaryotic cells, similar to bacteria, but with unique metabolic processes, examples include methanogens, thermophiles, and halophiles

Binary fission: a type of asexual reproduction where a cell divides into two identical daughter cells
Spores: highly resistant, dormant forms of bacteria and fungi that can survive extreme conditions
Colonies: groups of microorganisms that grow together, often forming visible patterns or structures

Decomposition: microorganisms break down organic matter, recycling nutrients and energy
Nutrient cycling: microorganisms convert elements such as nitrogen, carbon, and sulfur into forms usable by other organisms
Food production: microorganisms are used in fermentation processes to produce foods such as bread, cheese, and yogurt
Human health: microorganisms play a crucial role in the human gut microbiome, influencing digestion and immune function