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Questions and Answers
What is a characteristic of microorganisms?
What type of microorganism is characterized by having a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles?
What is an example of a protist?
What is the diameter range of bacteria?
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What is the process of breaking down organic matter into simpler compounds?
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What is an example of mutualism?
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What is the term for living together in a close, often beneficial relationship?
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What is the term for causing disease in humans, animals, and plants?
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Study Notes
Definition and Characteristics
- Microorganisms are tiny 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 the human body
Types of Microorganisms
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Bacteria: prokaryotic cells, no nucleus or membrane-bound organelles
- Examples: E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis
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Viruses: not considered living cells, consist of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat
- Examples: Influenza, HIV, Ebola
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Fungi: eukaryotic cells, have a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles
- Examples: Yeast, Mold, Mushrooms
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Protists: eukaryotic cells, do not fit into any other category
- Examples: Amoeba, Paramecium, Giardia
Microorganism Sizes
- Bacteria: 0.5-5.0 μm in diameter
- Viruses: 20-400 nm in diameter
- Fungi: 2-10 μm in diameter
- Protists: 1-100 μm in diameter
Microorganism Functions
- Decomposition: breaking down organic matter into simpler compounds
- Fixation: converting nitrogen gas into a usable form
- Fermentation: converting glucose into energy
- Pathogenesis: causing disease in humans, animals, and plants
Microorganism Interactions
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Symbiosis: living together in a close, often beneficial relationship
- Examples: gut microbiome, coral-algae symbiosis
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Antagonism: competing with each other for resources
- Examples: antibiotic production, competition for nutrients
-
Mutualism: both organisms benefit from the interaction
- Examples: mycorrhizal fungi, lichen formation
Microorganisms: Definition and Characteristics
- Microorganisms are tiny living organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye, typically measured in micrometers (μm) or nanometers (nm).
- They can be found almost everywhere on Earth, including in soil, water, air, and the human body.
Types of Microorganisms
- Bacteria: prokaryotic cells with no nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, examples include E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis.
- Viruses: not considered living cells, consist of genetic material surrounded by a protein coat, examples include Influenza, HIV, and Ebola.
- Fungi: eukaryotic cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, examples include Yeast, Mold, and Mushrooms.
- Protists: eukaryotic cells that don't fit into any other category, examples include Amoeba, Paramecium, and Giardia.
Microorganism Sizes
- Bacteria: 0.5-5.0 μm in diameter.
- Viruses: 20-400 nm in diameter.
- Fungi: 2-10 μm in diameter.
- Protists: 1-100 μm in diameter.
Microorganism Functions
- Decomposition: breaking down organic matter into simpler compounds.
- Fixation: converting nitrogen gas into a usable form.
- Fermentation: converting glucose into energy.
- Pathogenesis: causing disease in humans, animals, and plants.
Microorganism Interactions
- Symbiosis: living together in a close, often beneficial relationship, examples include gut microbiome and coral-algae symbiosis.
- Antagonism: competing with each other for resources, examples include antibiotic production and competition for nutrients.
- Mutualism: both organisms benefit from the interaction, examples include mycorrhizal fungi and lichen formation.
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Description
Learn about microorganisms, their size, and types including bacteria and viruses. Understand their presence in different environments and their cellular structures.
