Microorganisms: Definition, Types Quiz & Flashcards

Study Notes

Microorganisms: living organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye, typically measuring between 0.1-5.0 μm in diameter.
Types:
- Bacteria: single-celled prokaryotes, e.g. E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus
- Viruses: tiny particles made up of genetic material and protein, e.g. influenza, HIV
- Fungi: eukaryotes, e.g. yeast, mold
- Protozoa: single-celled eukaryotes, e.g. amoeba, paramecium
- Algae: simple aquatic plants, e.g. green algae, diatoms

Microorganisms are incredibly diverse, with different species adapted to various environments
Most microorganisms are harmless to humans, and many are beneficial
Microorganisms can be found almost everywhere, from extreme environments to the human body
They play a crucial role in many ecosystem processes, such as decomposition, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration

Microorganisms can grow rapidly, with some species doubling in number every 20-30 minutes
They can utilize a wide range of energy sources, including light, organic compounds, and inorganic compounds
Microorganisms have diverse metabolic processes, including fermentation, respiration, and photosynthesis

Microorganisms are essential for human health, participating in digestion, immune system function, and production of vitamins
They are used in various industrial applications, such as food production, bioremediation, and biotechnology
Microorganisms play a key role in environmental processes, such as decomposition, nitrogen cycling, and climate regulation

Microorganisms can interact with each other and their environment through various mechanisms, including:
- Symbiosis: mutually beneficial relationships, e.g. coral-algae symbiosis
- Competition: competition for resources, e.g. nutrient competition between microorganisms
- Predation: predator-prey relationships, e.g. protozoa predating on bacteria
- Cooperation: working together to achieve a common goal, e.g. biofilm formation

Microorganisms are living organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye, measuring 0.1-5.0 μm in diameter.
Bacteria are single-celled prokaryotes, such as E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
Viruses are tiny particles made up of genetic material and protein, like influenza and HIV.
Fungi are eukaryotes, including yeast and mold.
Protozoa are single-celled eukaryotes, such as amoeba and paramecium.
Algae are simple aquatic plants, including green algae and diatoms.

Microorganisms are incredibly diverse and adapted to various environments.
Most microorganisms are harmless to humans and many are beneficial.
Microorganisms can be found almost everywhere, from extreme environments to the human body.
They play a crucial role in ecosystem processes like decomposition, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration.

Microorganisms can grow rapidly, with some species doubling in number every 20-30 minutes.
They can utilize a wide range of energy sources, including light, organic compounds, and inorganic compounds.
Microorganisms have diverse metabolic processes, including fermentation, respiration, and photosynthesis.

Microorganisms are essential for human health, participating in digestion, immune system function, and vitamin production.
They are used in industrial applications, such as food production, bioremediation, and biotechnology.
Microorganisms play a key role in environmental processes, including decomposition, nitrogen cycling, and climate regulation.

Microorganisms can interact with each other and their environment through symbiosis, mutually beneficial relationships.
They can compete for resources, like nutrient competition between microorganisms.
Microorganisms can engage in predation, like protozoa predating on bacteria.
They can cooperate, like in biofilm formation, to achieve a common goal.