Types of Microorganisms

Characteristics of Microorganisms

• Microorganisms, or "microbes", are small living things that are found nearly everywhere on Earth.
• They can survive in extreme environments, such as boiling pools of water, volcanic vents, salt flats, and saltwater.
• Some microorganisms require oxygen to grow, while others do not.
• The "toughest" microorganism is Deinococcus radiodurans, which can withstand radiation, survive without water, and resist strong acids and vacuum conditions.

Classification of Microorganisms

• Microorganisms can be classified based on whether they have cells or not, and if so, how many cells they have.
• Multicellular microorganisms have more than one cell.
• Unicellular microorganisms have a single cell.
• Acellular microorganisms, such as viruses and prions, lack cells.
• Microorganisms can also be classified based on the type of cell: eukaryotes have complex cells with a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while prokaryotes have simple cells without a true nucleus and lack membrane-bound organelles.

Types of Microorganisms

• Parasites are microorganisms that can be frightening, especially when they can be viewed with the naked eye.
• Examples of parasitic infections include malaria, giardia, and African sleeping sickness.
• Fungi are microorganisms that are similar to plants, including yeasts, mushrooms, and molds.
• Good fungi live on our bodies and do not cause disease.
• Bacteria are microorganisms that are abundant in and on our bodies, with most being "good bacteria" that protect us against infection and aid in digestion.
• Examples of infections caused by bacteria include tuberculosis and strep throat.
• Viruses are abundant in nature and can infect other microorganisms, including bacteria, and plants.
• Immunizations have decreased the risk of some diseases, but others, such as Ebola and Zika, remain a threat.
• Prions are infectious proteins that are not classified as microorganisms but can cause diseases such as mad cow disease and kuru.

Learn about the different types of microorganisms, their characteristics, and where they can be found. From extreme environments to everyday life, microorganisms are everywhere!