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Structure and roles of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa in health, industry, and agriculture.
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. These tiny organisms play a crucial role in our daily lives, from decomposing organic matter to causing diseases. Understanding microbiology is essential for developing new treatments and technologies.
Microorganisms are prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells that lack a true nucleus but have a cell wall, cytoplasm, and genetic material. Prokaryotes like bacteria lack membrane-bound organelles and have a single circular chromosome. Eukaryotes like fungi and protozoa have membrane-bound organelles and multiple linear chromosomes. Microorganisms carry out various functions such as decomposition, fermentation, photosynthesis, and nitrogen fixation.
Microorganisms interact with their environment through physical contact, chemical signals, and nutrient exchange. They form symbiotic relationships with other organisms, including mutualisms, commensalisms, and parasitisms. Microorganisms also participate in decomposition processes, breaking down organic matter into simpler compounds that can be reused by other organisms.
Pathogenic microorganisms cause disease in humans and animals by producing toxins, invading tissues, or disrupting normal physiological functions. Bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella can cause gastrointestinal infections, while viruses like HIV and influenza can lead to systemic diseases. Fungi like Candida and Aspergillus can cause opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals.
Microorganisms are used in various industrial processes, including fermentation for food production, bioremediation for environmental cleanup, and biofuel production. In agriculture, microorganisms like mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots to improve nutrient uptake and drought tolerance.
Microorganisms have evolved diverse metabolic pathways, cell structures, and genetic mechanisms to adapt to various environments. They exhibit a wide range of sizes, shapes, and growth patterns, from the tiny viruses to the complex multicellular organisms like slime molds.
What is microbiology?
What are the primary functions of fungi?
Which microorganism is responsible for decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients?
What is a characteristic of protozoa?
Which microorganism is the most common cause of human illness and death worldwide?
What is a characteristic of bacteria?
What is the role of microorganisms in our daily lives?
Which microorganism forms symbiotic relationships with other organisms, including mutualisms, commensalisms, and parasitisms?
What is the primary function of protozoa?
Which microorganism is used in the production of bread and beer?
What role do microorganisms play in decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients? (2 marks)
How do microorganisms interact with their environment through physical contact, chemical signals, and nutrient exchange? (3 marks)
What are the different types of symbiotic relationships that microorganisms form with other organisms? (2 marks)
How do microorganisms participate in decomposition processes and break down organic matter into simpler compounds? (2 marks)
What are the different ways that microorganisms can be beneficial or harmful to humans and the environment? (3 marks)
Discuss the importance of microbiology in our daily lives. (20 marks) ( marks)
Describe the different types of microorganisms and their characteristics. (20 marks) ( marks)