Micro-Organisms

key notes :-

What are Micro-Organisms?

  • Micro-organisms, also known as microbes, are tiny living organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. They can only be observed using a microscope.
  • Examples include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae.

Types of Micro-Organisms

  • Bacteria: Single-celled organisms found in various environments. Some are beneficial (e.g., in digestion), while others can cause diseases (e.g., tuberculosis).
  • Viruses: Non-living outside a host but can reproduce within living cells, causing diseases like the flu, chickenpox, and COVID-19.
  • Fungi: Can be unicellular (like yeast) or multicellular (like molds and mushrooms). Some fungi are used in food production (e.g., bread making), while others can cause infections.
  • Protozoa: Single-celled organisms found in water and soil; some are harmful, such as those causing malaria.
  • Algae: Simple, plant-like organisms found in water that produce oxygen through photosynthesis.

Where Do Micro-Organisms Live?

  • Micro-organisms are found almost everywhere—in soil, water, air, and even inside the bodies of other organisms.
  • They can thrive in extreme conditions, such as hot springs, deep oceans, and polar ice caps.

Useful Micro-Organisms

  • In Food Production:
    • Bacteria are used in making curd, cheese, and vinegar.
    • Yeast is used in baking and brewing to produce alcohol and carbon dioxide.
  • In Medicine:
    • Antibiotics, such as penicillin, are produced by certain fungi and bacteria to treat bacterial infections.
  • In Agriculture:
    • Certain bacteria (like Rhizobium) help fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching its fertility.
  • In Decomposition:
    • Micro-organisms break down organic waste, turning it into compost, which improves soil quality.

Harmful Micro-Organisms

  • Pathogens are micro-organisms that cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants.
  • Diseases caused by bacteria: Tuberculosis, cholera.
  • Diseases caused by viruses: Influenza, measles, AIDS.
  • Fungal infections: Athlete’s foot, ringworm.
  • Protozoan diseases: Malaria, amoebic dysentery.

Role of Micro-Organisms in Environmental Balance

  • Micro-organisms play a crucial role in decomposition, recycling nutrients back into the environment.
  • They are essential in processes like nitrogen fixation, which is vital for plant growth.

Prevention of Microbial Diseases

  • Vaccinations help protect against viral and bacterial infections.
  • Good hygiene practices such as washing hands, properly cooking food, and drinking clean water can reduce the spread of harmful microbes.
  • Using disinfectants and antibiotics helps control microbial growth.

Biotechnology and Micro-Organisms

  • Micro-organisms are used in genetic engineering to produce insulin, vaccines, and other bio-products.
  • They play a significant role in industries like waste management and biofuel production.

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