Importance of microorganisms
Importance of microorganisms - grade 8 unit 1 - Microorganisms are found in every habitat in the planet.
They are the living organisms visible and invisible to the naked eyes. The
unicellular or multi cellular organisms which cannot be observed by naked eyes.
They are live in water, atmosphere, human body, plants, animals, soil and all
of the living organisms. Also they in the hostile environments such as
glaciers, hot springs, deep sea, saline, deserts. The Dutch scientist Antoine Van Leeuwenhoek observed microorganisms first time using by simple microscope.
Microorganisms can be observed by light microscope and viruses can be observed
through electron microscope.
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| Importance of microorganisms - grade 8 |
Types of microorganisms
- Bacteria – Lactobacillus
Bulgaricus
- Fungi – yeast, Mucor
- Protozoa – Paramecium,
Amoeba
- Algae - Chlamydomonas
- Virus – covid – 19
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| Importance of microorganisms - grade 8 |
Benefits of microorganisms
Microorganisms are used in several industries, microbial
decomposition of dead plant and animals, biological pest control, producing
medicines etc.
- Producing milk products like, curd, cheese, yoghurt
- Producing bakery products
- Producing antibiotics, vaccines, medicines
- Producing vinegar, alcohol
- For food (mushrooms)
- Making compost
- Producing biogas
- Coir industry
Harmful effects of microorganisms
Harmful effects of microorganisms are several types. Food
spoilage, infectious diseases for human, animals and crops. Cause economic
damage to clothes and wooden furniture, buildings are some of them.
Effect of microorganisms on food
The microbial activities change the colour, texture, odour
and appearances of the food. Also the tastes of the food, nutritional value
were changed.
Moisture and temperature are the main factors for the
microbial growth. 250C – 300C food spoilage at this
temperature is common
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| Importance of microorganisms - grade 8 |
Infectious diseases to human
- Virus – dengue, cold, AIDS, common cold
- Fungi – sore, fungi on skin (Pityriasis)
- Protozoa – malaria, Amoebisis
- Bacteria – tuberculosis (TB), typhoid fever
Infectious diseases to plants
- Blight – potato plant
- Mosaic diseases – papaw leaves
- Leaf curled diseases – chili plant
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| Importance of microorganisms - grade 8 |
Infectious diseases to animals
- Rabies – dogs
- Foot and mouth diseases – bull
- Mastitis – cow
summary
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| Importance of microorganisms - grade 8 |