Microorganisms Viruses Bacteria and Fungi By Mr Yust

Microorganisms: Viruses, Bacteria and Fungi By: Mr. Yust

What is a Microorganism The word micro means “small” The word organism means “living thing” What does it mean? ? ? ?

What is a germ? A germ refers to any microorganism, especially those microorganisms that cause disease. This category includes: –Viruses –Bacteria –Fungi

What is a virus? Viruses are very tiny, simple organisms They are so tiny they can only be seen with a special microscope called an “electron microscope” They are so simple, they are technically not even considered “alive”

Six Characteristics of All Living Things Adaptation to the environment Cellular makeup Metabolic processes that obtain and use energy Movement response to the environment Growth and development Reproduction

What a virus can’t do! A virus is not able to metabolize, grow or reproduce on its own It must take over a host cell that provides these functions

What are bacteria? -Bacteria are much larger than viruses -The largest virus is only as big as the smallest bacterium -Bacteria can occur in three basic shapes *Spheres *Rods *Spirals

What is a fungus? Fungi are larger, plant-like organisms that lack chlorophyll They absorb food from whatever they are growing on Fungi can be very helpful –Making bread rise –Decomposing trash

Fungi can be harmful! They steal nutrients from another living organism!!!!! Mushrooms are a type of fungus, along with molds and yeasts.

Diseases -Viruses in humans *influenza (flu) *measles *cold -Bacterial infections in humans *strep throat *whooping cough -Fungal infections on humans *athlete’s foot