Micro-Organisms Notes
Research how humans interact with micro-organisms and use this information to write a discussion for your report.
Basic structure and function
Explain the parts and how they work for fungi and bacteria
Most fungal species are multicellular. Most fungi do not have flagella in any phase of their life cycle. They move toward food by growing toward it. The main body of most fungi is made up of fine, branching, and usually colourless threads called hyphae. Each fungus will have vast numbers of these hyphae, all intertwining to make up a tangled web called the mycelium. Fungi decompose dead animals and plant matter. Fungi releases carbon dioxide to the air.
Bacteria are prokaryotic. Bacterial cells usually come in one of 3 shapes: cocci, bacilli, spirilla. They can be by themselves, in pair, chains, or clusters. They can use either a flagella or pili to move the cell. Bacteria can reproduce by binary fission or by conjugation. Bacteria can get into your body a number of ways: by inhaling those, through cuts, eating contaminated food, or getting bit by an infected insect. Bacteria are either heterotrophic or autotrophic. Bacteria can be helpful in many ways such as making food, medicine, help clean our environment, or make several vitamins in the intestines. Bacteria can also be harmful by causing cavities and gum disease, ulcers, or disease by releasing toxins.
Explain the ideal conditions needed for life processes of feeding and reproduction for fungi and bacteria
Conditions for microbial growth (and also for enzyme action)
1) organic food (proteins, carbohydrates, fats) - same as humans!
2) suitable temperature
3) moisture (water)
4) [if aerobic] air
5) suitable pH 6 – 7.5
Bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, moist conditions, rich in nutrients Food spoilage and food preservation
Discuss a named example of food spoilage by fungi
Aspergillus flavus
Aspergillus flavus is a fungus. It grows by producing thread like branching
Basic structure and function
Explain the parts and how they work for fungi and bacteria
Most fungal species are multicellular. Most fungi do not have flagella in any phase of their life cycle. They move toward food by growing toward it. The main body of most fungi is made up of fine, branching, and usually colourless threads called hyphae. Each fungus will have vast numbers of these hyphae, all intertwining to make up a tangled web called the mycelium. Fungi decompose dead animals and plant matter. Fungi releases carbon dioxide to the air.
Bacteria are prokaryotic. Bacterial cells usually come in one of 3 shapes: cocci, bacilli, spirilla. They can be by themselves, in pair, chains, or clusters. They can use either a flagella or pili to move the cell. Bacteria can reproduce by binary fission or by conjugation. Bacteria can get into your body a number of ways: by inhaling those, through cuts, eating contaminated food, or getting bit by an infected insect. Bacteria are either heterotrophic or autotrophic. Bacteria can be helpful in many ways such as making food, medicine, help clean our environment, or make several vitamins in the intestines. Bacteria can also be harmful by causing cavities and gum disease, ulcers, or disease by releasing toxins.
Explain the ideal conditions needed for life processes of feeding and reproduction for fungi and bacteria
Conditions for microbial growth (and also for enzyme action)
1) organic food (proteins, carbohydrates, fats) - same as humans!
2) suitable temperature
3) moisture (water)
4) [if aerobic] air
5) suitable pH 6 – 7.5
Bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, moist conditions, rich in nutrients Food spoilage and food preservation
Discuss a named example of food spoilage by fungi
Aspergillus flavus
Aspergillus flavus is a fungus. It grows by producing thread like branching