Microbes Flashcards
What are microbes
Microbes are very small living things that can only be seen clearly with a microscope. When we think of microbes we often think of the diseases and illnesses they cause and it it true that many are extremely dangerous (pathogens). Though microbes can also help us,they have many useful applications.
What are 3 types of microbes
Viruses,bacteria and fungi
Description of a viruses structure
Their structure is a head capsule(that contains DNA) with a long tail with an end plate attached.
Viruses are dangerous because
Viruses cause many diseases including all flu (the influenza virus),chicken pox,mumps and AIDS (the HIV virus). Flu viruses can change into many different forms meaning that you cannot be immune to the flu.
Viruses can be useful because
Humans can also make use of viruses in genetic engineering.
Description of bacteria’s structure
Cocci are spherical in shape, bacilli are rod shaped,spirochetes are spirals. Some may have a long filament called a flagellum attached-this allows them to move.
Bacteria are dangerous because
Bacteria are responsible for numerous illnesses including: MRSA,salmonella and tuberculosis. They also cause food to go “off”. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics.
Bacteria can be useful because
Some are very useful to humans-e.g for the production of yoghurt,treating sewage and in genetic engineering
Description of fungi’s structure
They have a spore and a network of threads forming a structure called a mycelium
Fungi is dangerous because
Fungi are responsible for the athletes’ foot infection as well as ringworm and thrush. They also spoil food-e.g bread mould.
Fungi can be useful because
Yeast is probably the best known fungus-it is used in the baking and brewing industries. Fungi are also in the cheese industry-think of smelly “blue “ cheeses
