Module 2: Microbes 🐜

Question 1

Give a description of a VIRUS:

Answer 1

Their structure is a head capsule (that contains DNA) with a long tail and an end plate attached

Question 2

Why is a VIRUS dangerous?

Answer 2

VIRUSES cause many diseases including: 
> The flu
> Chicken pox
> Mumps 
> AIDS

Flu viruses can change into many different forms meaning that you cannot be immune to the flue

Question 3

How can a VIRUS be useful?

Answer 3

Humans can make use if viruses in genetic engineering

Question 4

Give a description of FUNGI:

Answer 4

The have a spore case and a network of threads forming a structure called a MYCELIUM

Question 5

Why is FUNGI dangerous?

Answer 5

FUNGI are responsible for:
> The athletes foot infection
> Ringworm
> Spoiling food (eg bread mould)

Question 6

How can FUNGI be useful?

Answer 6

Yeast is probably the best known FUNGUS:
> It is used in baking and brewing industries
> It is also used in the cheese industry (eg smelly blue cheese)

Question 7

Give a description of BACTERIA:

Answer 7

> COCCI: Spherical shaped
BACILLI: Rod shaped
SPIROCHETES: Spiral shaped

Some may have a long filament called a flagellum attached: this allows them to move

Question 8

Why is BACTERIA dangerous?

Answer 8

BACTERIA are responsible for numerous illnesses including:
> MRSA
> Salmonella
> Tuberculosis

They also cause food to go “off”

Question 9

How can BACTERIA be useful?

Answer 9

Some BACTERIA are very useful to humans. They are used for:
> Production of yoghurt
> Treating sewage
> In genetic engineering