Pathogens - What is a Microorganism?

Introduction: Microorganisms are so small they must be viewed with a microscope. Microbes can be found everywhere. They are able to survive some of the harshest conditions. There are five categories of microorganisms - bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, and protozoa.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this section you will be able to:

• Define a microorganism
• Identify the basic characteristics and types of microbes
• Identify important relationships between bacteria and humans.
• Summarize the role of bacteria in disease.
• Explain how bacteria reproduce.
• Discuss ways to control bacteria.
• Define antibiotic resistance.

Lesson Essential Question: How do microorganisms contribute to the spread of disease?

Key Vocabulary: Microorganism, Pathogen, Virus, Bacteria, Fungi, Parasite, protozoans

As you watch the following video, think about the following questions:

1. What is a microorganism?
2. What are the five types of microorganisms?
3. What do the different types of microorganisms have in common?
4. How are they different?

As you listen to the song below write down 1 fact about each of the pathogens.

As you watch the video below, consider the following questions:

1. What is the experiment trying to determine?
2. What were the results of the experiment?
3. How are the experimenters continuing their research?

Complete Guided Notes while reading the following presentation.

Using the Article below, create a venn diagram or a T-chart comparing and contrasting bacteria and viruses.

Complete the Bacterial Growth Practice Activity. Graph the results to each question.

Outbreaks, Epidemics, pandemics

Key vocabulary: epidemic, pandemic, outbreak, vector, carrier, host, antibiotic resistance, antibiotic, vaccine