Topic 3: Micro-organisms

CORE CONTENT:

Types of micro-organisms

• micro-organisms are living things

• they are too small to see with the naked eye [they can only be seen under a microscope]

• there is a variety of micro-organisms, including Viruses, Bacteria, Protista and Fungi

Harmful micro-organisms

• some micro-organisms cause diseases, such as TB (caused by bacteria), AIDS (caused by HI virus), malaria (caused by a protest)

• disease causing organisms are found almost everywhere, such as at ATMs, handrails of staircases and toilets

• waterborne diseases (such as cholera and diarrhoea) account for many child deaths

• effective methods of preventing the spread of diseases caused by micro-organisms include washing hands and sterilising

• modern scientists such as Louis Pasteur play an important role in identifying and developing cures for some diseases

Useful micro-organisms

• some micro-organisms play an essential role in ecosystems, such as decomposing dead plant and animal matter, thereby recycling nutrients in the soil

• some micro-organisms are used by people for making certain foods (such as yoghurt) and medicines (such as penicillin)