What are micro-organisms?

Micro-organisms (or microbes) are organisms that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. Microbes include bacteria, viruses, and many fungi.

We can see things that are about 0.1mm with our naked eye. Bacteria are about a hundred times smaller than that, while viruses are about a thousand times smaller than bacteria.

We need light microscopes and electron microscopes in order to be able to see bacteria, viruses and some fungi.

Microbes are found everywhere. We have trillions of them on our skin, in our digestive system and in our mouths. Microbes interact with humans daily throughout our lives. Many of these interactions are helpful (making food, antibiotics, and fuels, and removing wastes), but some are harmful and cause disease and illness.

The video below gives an introduction to Microbes.