1. Microbiology
Microbiology is the study of micro-organisms which are living things and can usually be only seen using a microscope.
There are three types of micro-organisms
Fungi
Bacteria
Viruses

2. Fungi
These are the larger type of micro-organisms and can be seen clearly by the naked eye. They live off other things.
Examples include
Mushrooms
Bread mould
Yeast

3. Effects of Fungi Harmful Dry rot of wood Athletes foot Food spoilage
Beneficial
Act as decomposers
Used to produce antibiotics
Used to make cheeses
Used to make alcohol

4. Bacteria
Bacteria is made up of one cell and can only be seen with a microscope. Bacteria can live on non living things and living things such as
Soil
Water
Air
Plants & Animals

5. Bacterial diseases
In order for bacteria to grow they need the following:
Food
Water
A suitable temperature
A suitable pH
Examples of bacterial diseases:
Sore throat
Tooth and gum decay
Food poisoning
Tetanus
Tuberculosis
Cholera

7. Effects of bacteria Harmful
Common illness such as tonsillitus and food poisoning
Food spoilage
Tooth decay
Beneficial
Act as decomposers
Produce antibiotics
Used to make yoghurt
Antibiotics are chemicals made by bacteria and fungi which kill or
Prevent the reproduction of other bacteria. Penicillin is an example
of an antibiotic.

8. Viruses
Viruses are much smaller than fungi and bacteria and can only be seen by a microscope. All viruses are parasites which means that they must live on another living thing. Examples of viruses include
Common cold Cold Sores
Chicken pox AIDS (caused
Flu (influenza) by HIV)
Measles

9. Photos Of Viruses

10. Effects of viruses Harmful
Common illnesses such as flu, cold and chicken pox
More serious illnesses such as AIDS, SARS, measles and mumps
Beneficial
Viruses can be used to produce vaccines against serious viruses

11. Bacterial Plate
Bacterial colonies are usually small and round in shape

12. Fungal Plates
Fungi are usually larger than bacterial colonies and appear ‘furry’.

13. Biotechnology
Biotechnology is the use of living things to produce useful substances. Examples include
Yeast – to make bread and wine
Bacteria – to make cheeses and yoghurt
Medicine – To produce vaccines/antibiotics against disease
Industry – Washing up powder