What Are Microorganisms?

living things that are too small to be seen without a microscope microorganisms living things that are too small to be seen without a microscope

There are more bacteria on Earth than all other living things together.

Bacteria may be shaped like rods, spirals, or balls Bacteria may be shaped like rods, spirals, or balls. They also come in different arrangements.

Molds are fungi since they look like plants but cannot make their own food.

There are about 80,000 kinds of protists. Algae and diatoms are plant-like protists. Protozoan and amoeba are animal-like protists.

Microorganisms and food! Certain bacteria in our digestive system break down food. Some of the same bacteria help us turn milk into yogurt.

Microorganisms and food! Yeast is a fungus that makes bread rise. Some molds are edible, like the mold in bleu cheese.

Many more microorganisms help people than harm them! Without fungi, dead plants and animals would litter the Earth! Phytoplankton release oxygen into the air and are a food source for many fish.

In 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered that penicillin (a mold) killed many types of bacteria.

Some microorganisms are harmful. E. Coli (food poisoning) Salmonella (food poisoning)

Harmful fungi can kill crops and cause several kinds of skin diseases. Athlete's Foot (fungus) Ringworm (fungus)

Red tides (algal bloom) can be harmful to fish populations.