Post on 24-Feb-2016
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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
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