Microorganisms

Key Points

• Microorganisms are divided into seven types: bacteria, archaea, protozoa, algae, fungi, viruses, and multicellular animal parasites ( helminths ).

• Microorganisms are beneficial in producing oxygen, decomposing organic material, providing nutrients for plants, and maintaining human health

• Some microorganisms can be pathogenic and cause diseases in plants and humans.

Microorganisms or microbes are microscopic organisms that exist as unicellular, multicellular, or cell clusters. Microorganims are widespread in nature and are beneficial to life, but some can cause serious harm. They can be divided into six major types: bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa, algae, and viruses.

Check Your Understanding:

1. What role do microorganisms play in maintaining a healthy digestive system in humans?

2. How do microorganisms beneficial to ecosystems?