Microorganisms …and the diseases they can cause…

Microorganisms A microorganism is a tiny living thing, usually single- celled, that can be seen only with the aid of a microscope ( Ex: bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, protozoa, and algae). The study of microorganisms is called microbiology. Anton Van Leeuwenhoek was the first person to use lenses to study tiny living things in water, he is considered by many to be the “founder of microbiology.” A microorganism is a tiny living thing, usually single- celled, that can be seen only with the aid of a microscope ( Ex: bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses, protozoa, and algae). The study of microorganisms is called microbiology. Anton Van Leeuwenhoek was the first person to use lenses to study tiny living things in water, he is considered by many to be the “founder of microbiology.” Anton Van Leeuwenhoek

Examples of Microorganisms 1. Bacteria are living things that are neither plants nor animals, but belong to a group all by themselves. They are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in groups that number in the millions. Bacteria comes in 3 basic shapes: spherical, rod, and spiral 2.A virus is a microorganism that contains genetic material (DNA or RNA) that is unique because it cannot reproduce without a host cell. After finding a host cell, a virus with attach itself and insert its genetic material inside and take over that cell’s functions. 3.Parasites are organisms that cannot produce their own food and have to live inside of humans and other animals for food and energy. Parasites are harmful because they consume food, eat away body tissue and cells, and produce toxic waste. 1. Bacteria are living things that are neither plants nor animals, but belong to a group all by themselves. They are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in groups that number in the millions. Bacteria comes in 3 basic shapes: spherical, rod, and spiral 2.A virus is a microorganism that contains genetic material (DNA or RNA) that is unique because it cannot reproduce without a host cell. After finding a host cell, a virus with attach itself and insert its genetic material inside and take over that cell’s functions. 3.Parasites are organisms that cannot produce their own food and have to live inside of humans and other animals for food and energy. Parasites are harmful because they consume food, eat away body tissue and cells, and produce toxic waste.

Examples of Bacteria E coli bacteria Tuberculosis bacteria Magnified 15,000x Lactococcus lactis is a bacteria that is used in making cheese and yogurt!

Examples of Viruses HIV Virus Influenza or “flu” virus H1N1 or “Swine Flu” Virus

Examples of Parasites Malaria parasites attacking red blood cells. Malaria is transferred through mosquitoes. Hookworm parasite Tapeworms get into the digestive system of a host and feed.

Causes of Parasitic Infections: insect bites walking barefoot eating raw or undercooked pork, beef or fish eating contaminated raw fruits and vegetables eating foods prepared by infected handlers drinking contaminated water contact with infected persons (including sexual contact, kissing, sharing drinks, shaking hands, or sharing toys) inhaling dust that contains parasitic eggs or cysts playing with or picking up pet litter contaminated with parasitic eggs or cysts insect bites walking barefoot eating raw or undercooked pork, beef or fish eating contaminated raw fruits and vegetables eating foods prepared by infected handlers drinking contaminated water contact with infected persons (including sexual contact, kissing, sharing drinks, shaking hands, or sharing toys) inhaling dust that contains parasitic eggs or cysts playing with or picking up pet litter contaminated with parasitic eggs or cysts