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Microorganisms Friends and Foes Notes

Microorganisms are tiny living entities that exist in various environments and are categorized into five main types: Bacteria, Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, and Viruses. They can be beneficial, aiding in processes like making curd, bread, and medicines, or harmful, causing diseases and food spoilage. Key figures in microbiology include Louis Pasteur, who discovered pasteurization, and Alexander Fleming, known for discovering Penicillin.

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159 views2 pages

Microorganisms Friends and Foes Notes

Microorganisms are tiny living entities that exist in various environments and are categorized into five main types: Bacteria, Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, and Viruses. They can be beneficial, aiding in processes like making curd, bread, and medicines, or harmful, causing diseases and food spoilage. Key figures in microbiology include Louis Pasteur, who discovered pasteurization, and Alexander Fleming, known for discovering Penicillin.

Uploaded by

Abhiram pandey
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Microorganisms: Friends and Foes – Full Notes

Introduction to Microorganisms
Microorganisms are very tiny living things that cannot be seen with our eyes.

We need a microscope to see them.

They live everywhere – in water, air, soil, inside our bodies, and on other organisms.

Types of Microorganisms
There are 5 main types of microorganisms. Use the trick: B-FAPP – Bacteria, Fungi,
Algae, Protozoa, Protists (includes viruses).

1. Bacteria – Smallest organisms. Some are useful (like making curd), others are
harmful (cause diseases). Example: Lactobacillus.

2. Fungi – Grow in warm, damp places like old bread. Some are useful, others
harmful. Example: Bread mould.

3. Algae – Found in water. Some are used in food. Example: Seaweed.

4. Protozoa – Live in water or body. Can cause diseases. Example: Plasmodium


(causes malaria).

5. Viruses – Smaller than bacteria. Only alive inside a host. Cause diseases like flu
and COVID-19.

Microorganisms as Friends
Microorganisms are also our friends. Use the trick: C B V M N – Curd, Bread,
Vaccines, Medicine, Nature.

1. Making Curd and Cheese – Bacteria like Lactobacillus help convert milk to curd.

2. Making Bread – Yeast (a fungus) helps bread rise and become fluffy.

3. Making Medicines – Some fungi make antibiotics like Penicillin, which kill harmful
bacteria.

4. Making Vaccines – Weak or dead microbes are used to prepare vaccines to protect
us.

5. Cleaning Nature – Microorganisms decompose dead plants and animals, making


the soil fertile.
Microorganisms as Foes
Microorganisms can also be our enemies. Use the trick: D S F S – Diseases, Spoilage,
Farming, Skin.

1. Cause Diseases – Microbes can cause cholera, TB, malaria, COVID-19, etc.

2. Spoil Food – Bacteria and fungi grow on food and spoil it.

3. Harm Crops – Some fungi damage crops like wheat and rice.

4. Skin Problems – Fungal infections cause itching and rashes.

Disease Table
Disease – Microbe – Spread – Prevention

1. Cholera – Bacteria – Dirty water – Drink boiled water

2. Tuberculosis – Bacteria – Through air – Use masks

3. Malaria – Protozoa – By mosquito bite – Prevent mosquito breeding

4. COVID-19 – Virus – Through air/contact – Wear masks, take vaccine

Extra Information
Pasteurization – Heating milk to kill harmful microbes. Discovered by Louis Pasteur.

Nitrogen Fixation – Some bacteria in soil help plants by converting air nitrogen into
usable form.

These bacteria live in root nodules of leguminous plants like peas and beans.

Important Scientists
Important Scientists:

1. Louis Pasteur – Discovered pasteurization and made first vaccines.

2. Alexander Fleming – Discovered Penicillin, the first antibiotic.

Final Memory Trick


Memory Trick: Imagine microbes like tiny characters.

Friends wear white coats – help make curd, bread, medicine.

Foes wear black masks – cause diseases and spoil food.

Use tricks: B-FAPP, C B V M N, D S F S to remember sections easily.

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