1.4 Microorganisms

Goals Microorganisms are living things too small to

see with just our eyes. We can use microscopes to see them. They are often made of one cell, but can be

simple multi-celled organisms. They can be producers, herbivores,

carnivores, or decomposers.

Main types Bacteria are some of the smallest

microorganisms and can be helpful or harmful.

Protists are also helpful or harmful, but are larger than bacteria.

Because they are larger, they can often contain special structures for jobs and processes that bacteria do not.

ALGAE

AMOEBA

EUGLENA

Producers and consumers

Algae are protists in water that carry out photosynthesis. Are they producers or consumers?

Amoeba changes its body shape to move and surround food. Is it a producer or consumer?

Euglena have a tail to move, but can also perform photosynthesis during daylight.

MOLD

FUNGI

End of the road Many microorganisms also act as

decomposers. Fungi grow on plants such as trees that fall

down. Mold is a specific type of fungi that can grow

on wood and even bread. Bacteria also break down different nutrients

from decaying matter.

Let’s get specific Tooth bacteria – tooth decay Bacteria in ticks – Lyme disease Amoeba-like protists - dysentery Protist in mosquitoes - malaria Salmonella bacteria – food poisoning

But…