Life Processes of Microorganisms

 
Microorganisms are living things that can be found around us. This chapter will explain more on the types of microorganisms, harmful effects of microorganisms and uses of microorganisms.
 
3.1  Life Processes of Microorganisms
 
Microorganisms are living things that cannot be seen with the naked eye and can only be seen using a microscope and a magnifying glass. There are several types of microorganisms and these living things also carry out life processes like other living things.
 
  Definition  
     
  Microorganisms are tiny living things that cannot be seen with the naked eyes  
     
 
  Microorganisms  
     
 

Fungi

Examples: Yeast, mucor, penicillium, mould
Characteristics: Only mould can be seen with the naked eye, can be found on bread, rice and some types of fruits

 

Protozoa

Examples: Ameoba, paramecium
Characteristics: The habitat of protozoa are ponds, lakes and rivers (live in places where there is water)

 

Bacteria

Examples: Bacillus, salmonella, streptococcus, E.Coli
Characteristics: Exist in many shapes, sizes and colors, can be found in the air, soil, water, food and in the body of living or dead organisms

 

Viruses

Examples: HIV, Influenza virus
Characteristics: The tiniest microorganisms. Viruses can only be seen under an electron microscope

 

Algae

Examples: Spirogyra, phytoplankton
Characteristics: Have the charateristics of plants. Enable to make their own food through the process of photosynthesis

 
     
 
Life Process of Microorganisms

Breathing

  • Microorganisms use oxygen to breathe and produce carbon dioxide

Moving

  • Microorganisms move in different ways

Growing

  • Microorganisms undergo a growing process
  • Example: mold on bread
 
 

Growth of Microbes

  • The growth of microorganisms requires water, air, temperature, nutrients and acidity
 

Useful and harmful microorganisms

  • Some of the microorganisms are beneficial to living things and some are harmful to living things.
 
Microorganisms
Harmful Effects Explanation
Spoil food
  • Causes changes in texture, appearance, smell and taste
  • Will experience food poisoning, diarrhea and pain if ingested spoilt food
Contagious diseases
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Ringworm
  • White spots
  • Scabies
  • Smallpox
Tooth decay
  • Bacteria that is found in the mouth acts on the bits of food by changing the sugar and starch in the food into acid
Food Poisoning
  • Bacteria will reproduce and produce toxin in the instestines
  • Symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness
 
Uses of Microorganisms
     
 
Types of Microorganisms Uses
Bacteria
  • Cheese
  • Yogurt
Yeast
  • Fermented soybean
  • Bread
  • Fermented rice
Fungi
  • Production of antibiotics and vaccines
Bacteria dan fungi
  • Decomposition of organic substances
 
     
 

Live healthily according to the knowledge of microorganisms

  • Contagious diseases caused by the spread of microorganisms can be prevented by practicing healthy daily practices.
 

Contagious diseases can be spreaded through:

  • Food and drinks
  • Sneezing and coughing
  • Carrier animals such as flies and mosquitoes
  • Touch
 

Healthy daily routines include:

  • Washing hands before eating and after coming out from the toilet
  • Covering the mouth when sneezing or coughing
  • The place where food is prepared must be in clean condition
  • Drink boiled water and eat food that is cooked properly