Importance of Microorganisms Flashcards
What are microorganisms?
Organisms that are too small to be seen without a microscope
What are the five groups?
Bacteria
Archaea
Fungi
Protista
Algae
What are bacteria?
Unicellular microorganisms with no nucleus
What different classifications of bacteria?
Cocci (spherical)
Bacilli (rod-shaped)
Spirilla (spiral)
Vibrio (curved)
What are decomposers?
Bacteria that break down dead organic matter
What environment is ideal for bacteria?
Warm temp, moist, stable pH and good amount of environmental oxygen
What are archaea?
Prokaryotic organisms that inhabit extreme habitats. Can use inorganic molecules as source of energy
What are fungi?
A primitive, non-photosynthesising vegetable that are eukaryotic. Feeds on dead, decaying matter
What are protists?
Simple, primitive animals that are unicellular, mainly found in water and soil
What are the four types of protists?
Ameoba, flagellates, ciliates and spirozoa
What is algae?
Simple plant that can range from microscopic to large seaweeds
Why are algae important to the ecosystem?
Provides a foundation for aquatic food chains
Supports fisheries
Produced 70% of air we breathe
How are microorganisms important to humans?
Recyles essential nutrients, feeds on dead matter, metabolites it, breaks it down and releases into surrounding area where it can be taken up by producers and passed onto consumers
