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Microorganisms: Viruses, Bacteria and Fungi - Coggle Diagram
Microorganisms: Viruses, Bacteria and Fungi
Keywords:
Virus
Microorganism
Bacteria
Fungi
Colony
Pathogen
Vaccination
Antibiotic
Mutualistic
Food Preservation
Agar Plates
Sterile
Medium
Microorganisms
Microorganism
are very tiny living things that usually can only be seen using a microscope.
When you see a fungus growing on food, you are actually looking at a large number of very small organisms that are called a
colony
of organism.
A
colony
is microorganisms is a large number of bacteria or fungi that is visible without a microscope.
Microorganisms include viruses, bacteria and microscopic fungi.
Viruses
There is a debate over whether viruses are living or non-living because they have features of both.
Viruses contain genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed within a coat made of fat.
Viruses cause many human diseases, such as colds, flu, chickenpox, mumps, measles, rubella, hepatitis, AIDS, COVID-19, etc.
Pathogens
are microorganisms (viruses, bacteria and fungi) that cause disease.
Immunity
Our immune system defends the body against disease.
Immunity
is the body’s ability to fight infection.
Our white blood cells make
antibodies
to target viral infections.
Other white blood cells
engulf and digest
pathogens.
Antibiotics
are medicines that are used to treat infections caused by bacteria and some other pathogens.
Antibiotics do not treat viruses.
Vaccination
Vaccination
is when a harmless version of a disease is introduced into a person. This is done to stimulate the production of antibodies and white blood cells against the disease.
Vaccines are our greatest weapon against viral infections.
Useful Viruses
Some viruses kill bacteria that can be harmful to humans. These viruses are used to control the spread of superbug that are resistant to antibiotics.
Viruses can be used in
genetic engineering
. Viruses are used to 'transport' the particular engineered gene into a bacterium.
Bacteria
Some bacteria cause
diseases
, for example cholera, tetanus, tooth decay, strep throat and food poisoning.
Bacteria are also responsible for
food spoilage
.
Bacteria known as
decomposers
help to break down dead organic matter and return elements to the soil.
Bacteria can be used to make
antibiotics
and are used in
genetic engineering
.
Bacteria found in our gut are known as
mutualistic
because we benefit them and they benefit us!
Mutualism
is when two organisms live in close association and both of them benefit from the arrangement.
Fungi
As in the case of bacteria, there are harmful and useful fungi.
Fungi are
decomposers
, which are essential to life on Earth.
Fungi cause human diseases such as athlete's foot and ringworm.
Some fungi produce antibiotics and are used in other areas of biotechnology.
Biotechnology
is using living organisms to produce a useful product.
Food Spoilage and How to Prevent It
Bacteria and fungi food spoilage.
Ways to prevent food spoilage often involve creating unfavourable conditions so that the
enzymes
within the bacteria or fungi cannot work properly and therefore they cannot survive.
Preservation Methods and How They Work
Refigeration
The temperature is too low for microorganisms to grow.
Freezing
No water is available to the microorganisms, so they cannot work.
Pickling
The acidity of the vinegar destroys microorganisms.
Salting and Syrup
The salt or sugar draws water out of the microorganisms and they die.
Drying
There is no water, so microorganisms cannot survive
Pasteurisation
The food (e.g. milk, orange juice) is heated to a high temperature in order to kill microorganisms.
Canning
The food is processed/cooked and placed in airtight cans. Microorganisms cannot enter the can.