Microorganisms have an essential role in life processes and cycles on
Earth.
What are microorganisms?
Microorganisms Unicellular Prokaryotic “Microbes” Typically need a microscope to view Make up the largest number or organisms on
this planet
Here’s the interesting part…
Microbes vary depending on their kindBacteria, Fungi, Protozoa, Archaea,
Viruses* Autotrophic vs. Heterotrophic Sexual vs. Asexual Reproduction
(Binary fission/Conjugation)
Where do they live?
They exist in a variety of habitatsDeep in oceanHot springsDeep inside rock’s within the Earth
Viruses live in hosts
Why do we need microorganisms?
Microorganisms are essential for nutrient recycling (the food web) Why?
The nitrogen cycle requires microorganisms to ‘fix nitrogen’
Others? Brewing, Baking, Fermentation (YEAST) Biotechnology, Genetics, Biochemistry,
Molecular biology Warfare
Do microorganisms hurt humans?
Microorganisms are the cause of many infectious diseases.
The organisms involved include… Bacteria (plague, tuberculosis and anthrax) Protozoa (malaria, sleeping sickness and
toxoplasmosis) Fungi (ringworm, candidiasis or
histoplasmosis) Viruses (influenza, yellow fever or AIDS)*
Compare & Contrast
Viruses Particles of nucleic acid,
protein and possibly lipids “Grey area” of living vs.
nonliving Depends on host cells to
function Infect host cells to
reproduce, then kills that cell and goes to infect others
Can be dormant in host for long periods of time
Bacteria Reproduce by dividing Necessary for life in
many ways Food/digestion Some cause infections Some produce
antibiotics
Different Shapes of Bacteria
Bacilli Cocci Spirilla
Bacteria have flagella, glide, or do not move
How do bacteria get energy?
Autotrophs Photosynthetic autotrophs - cyanobacteria Chemosynthetic autotrophs - hydrothermal
vents, energy Heterotrophs Photoheterotrophs
sun = energy organic compounds = nutrition
Benefits of Viruses
Viruses can transfer genetic material between different species of host so they can be used in genetic engineering.
Viruses also carry out natural "genetic engineering": a virus may incorporate some genetic material from its host as it is replicating, and transfer this genetic information to a new host, even to a host unrelated to the previous host. May lead to evolutionary change
Benefits of Sanitation
Hygiene helps avoid infection or food spoiling by eliminating microorganisms from the surroundings.
Sterilization has led to the elimination of transferring disease by certain ways Example: Hypodermic needles
Cooking techniques
What else helps?
Clean water supplies Medicine (Antibiotics) Vaccines Others?
Discussion
How do science and technology affect the quality of our lives
related to bacteria and viruses?