microorganisms Flashcards
define microorganisms
very tiny living things that usually can only be seen using a microscope
3 types of microorganisms
bacteria, virus, fungi
3 diseases caused by virus
colds, influenza, chickenpox
bad thing about viruses
anti biotics don’t work against them
define vaccination
when a harmless version of a disease is introduced into a person in order to stimulate the production of antibodies and white blood cells against the disease
2 useful viruses
- some kill bad bacteria
- used in genetic engineering eg insulin
3 diseases caused by bacteria
tuberculosis, food poisoning, cholera
where are the good mutualistic bacteria located?
in the colon of the large intestine
mutualism
when two organisms live in close association and both of them benefit from the arrangement
the good stuff mutualistic bacteria do 4
- help digestion
- produce vit B and K
- prevent bad bacteria
- boost immune system by keeping bad bacteria under control
define probiotics
bacteria that improve human health
other good stuff bacteria does
- decompose dead plants and animals
- help recycle carbon and nitrogen
- used to produce antibiotics
diseases caused by fungi
athlete’s foot, ringworm
good uses of fungi
- help recycle carbon and nitrogen
- provide cholesterol-lowering medicine, and medicine to help prevent rejection of transplants
- antibiotics are based on chemicals produced by fungi
how does pickling prevent food spoilage
the acid of the vinegar kills microorganisms
