Micro-Organisms

• Micro-organisms, also called microbes, are tiny living creatures that are often too small to be seen with the naked eye.
• Microbes exist virtually everywhere on our planet, from the deepest parts of the ocean to the highest mountain peaks, and even in our own bodies.
• There are several types of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae, and protozoa.
• Bacteria are unicellular organisms and they multiply by binary fission. They are versatile species and can inhabit different environments. Some bacteria are beneficial while others cause diseases.
• Fungi are a group of eukaryotic organisms, which include yeast, mould, and mushrooms. Fungi are saprophytes, which means they live on dead or decaying organic matter. Certain types of fungus cause diseases like athlete’s foot and ringworm.
• Viruses are too small to be seen under a light microscope and can only reproduce inside a host cell. Viruses cause various diseases such as the common cold, flu, and COVID-19.
• Algae are simple, usually unicellular organisms that conduct photosynthesis. They are important to aquatic ecosystems because they produce a large amount of the oxygen in our atmosphere.
• Protozoa are a diverse group of unicellular creatures often found in water and soil. Some species of protozoa are harmful and can cause diseases like malaria and dysentery.
• Not all microbes are harmful. Many play beneficial roles such as decomposing waste, producing vitamins, or aiding in digestion. For example, probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain health in the digestive system.
• While some micro-organisms can cause diseases, they are also crucial in the fight against these very diseases. This is the basis of vaccination, where weakened or dead micro-organisms are used to stimulate the body’s immune response to an infection.
• In health science, knowledge about micro-organisms is crucial for understanding how certain illnesses spread and can be managed or prevented. This is central to many public health strategies and interventions to keep populations healthy.
• Through sterilisation and disinfection, the growth of harmful microorganisms can be inhibited to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Remember, microbiology is a vast field and understanding the basics of different types of micro-organisms and their roles can create a solid foundation for your health science knowledge.