Microorganisms And Us

key notes :

Introduction to Microorganisms

  • Microorganisms are tiny living organisms visible only under a microscope.
  • They include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae.

Types of Microorganisms

  • Bacteria: Single-celled organisms, e.g., Lactobacillus.
  • Viruses: Non-living outside a host, cause diseases, e.g., Influenza virus.
  • Fungi: Can be single-celled or multicellular, e.g., Yeast, Penicillium.
  • Protozoa: Single-celled animals, e.g., Amoeba.
  • Algae: Photosynthetic organisms, e.g., Chlamydomonas.

Beneficial Microorganisms

Food Production:

  • Bacteria like Lactobacillus are used in making curd and cheese.
  • Yeast is used in baking and brewing industries.

Medicines:

  • Antibiotics like penicillin are derived from microorganisms.

Decomposition:

  • Microorganisms help decompose dead organic matter into simpler substances.

Nitrogen Fixation:

  • Bacteria like Rhizobium fix nitrogen in the soil, aiding agriculture.

Industrial Use:

  • Used in producing alcohol, vinegar, and organic acids.

Harmful Microorganisms

Disease-Causing Microorganisms:

  • Cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants.
  • Examples: Tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), Malaria (Plasmodium).

Food Spoilage:

  • Bacteria and fungi can spoil food.

Crop Damage:

  • Fungi like Puccinia cause crop diseases such as rust.

Role of Microorganisms in Agriculture

  • Composting: Microorganisms decompose organic waste into manure.
  • Biofertilizers: Help in enhancing soil fertility.

Preservation of Food

Methods to prevent food spoilage:

  • Salting, sugaring, drying.
  • Use of preservatives like sodium benzoate.
  • Pasteurization: Heating milk to kill harmful microorganisms.

Precautions Against Harmful Microorganisms

  • Maintain hygiene to prevent diseases.
  • Properly store and handle food.
  • Vaccination to prevent infections.

Vaccination and Immunity

  • Vaccines are prepared using weakened or dead microbes.
  • Help in building immunity against diseases.

Environmental Importance

  • Microorganisms play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by recycling nutrients.

Interesting Facts

  • Microorganisms have been used in space experiments to study survival in extreme conditions.
  • Antibiotic resistance is a growing concern due to overuse of antibiotics.

Let’s practice!