Questions and Answers
What are microbes?
Organisms that individually are too small to be seen by the naked eye.
What is microbiology?
Area of biology that studies forms of life that are not visible to the naked eye.
Only a small minority of microorganisms on the planet are pathogenic.
True
How are microorganisms essential to our existence?
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Photosynthesis by cyanobacteria produces __________.
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What are the biogeochemical cycles mentioned?
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Decomposers in the food chain include microbes like bacteria and fungi.
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What is the composition of Earth's atmosphere?
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What is nitrogen fixation?
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Study Notes
Understanding Microbes
- Microbes are microscopic organisms not visible to the naked eye.
- The study of these organisms falls under microbiology, exploring life forms that require a microscope to observe.
- Common public terms for microbes include "germs" or "bugs."
Role of Microbes in Daily Life
- Microbes are crucial in our lives; they can cause diseases but constitute a small fraction of all microorganisms.
- A majority of microbes are harmless or beneficial, playing essential roles in various ecosystems and biogeochemical cycles.
Historical Context
- The Earth, 3.5 billion years ago, was devoid of atmospheric oxygen and resembled a toxic wasteland.
- Fossilized and live cyanobacteria evidence shows their ability to photosynthesize, producing glucose and oxygen while utilizing carbon dioxide and water.
Biogeochemical Cycles
- Microbes are integral to recycling chemical elements in the environment, facilitating biogeochemical cycles.
- Key cycles include:
- Carbon Cycle
- Nitrogen Cycle
- Sulfur Cycle
- Oxygen Cycle
- Phosphorous Cycle
- Hydrogen Cycle
Role of Algae and Bacteria
- Algae and bacteria actively participate in these cycles, not just plants or animals.
- They contribute through processes such as biodegradation (respiration and fermentation) and photosynthesis (carbon fixation).
Microbes in the Food Chain
- Microbes act as decomposers, breaking down dead organisms and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
- Photosynthetic microbes, such as algae and cyanobacteria, serve as primary producers in the food chain.
Importance of Nitrogen
- Nitrogen gas (N2) makes up 78% of the atmosphere but is unusable by plants and animals in that form.
- Nitrogen fixation is the process that converts N2 gas into ammonia (NH3), vital for living organisms to utilize nitrogen.
Mechanisms of Nitrogen Fixation
- Nitrogen fixation can occur through industrial processes or naturally by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
- Specialized cells called heterocysts in cyanobacteria can convert N2 gas to ammonia, showcasing the critical role of these microbes in the nitrogen cycle.
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Description
This quiz explores the world of microbes, their roles in daily life, and their historical significance on Earth. Learn about the beneficial functions of these organisms in biogeochemical cycles and their impact on ecosystems. Dive into the fascinating study of microbiology!
