What are micro-organisms?
Living organisms that cannot be seen with the unaided eye but require a microscope for observation.
Name three places where micro-organisms are found.
Air, water, and soil.
What conditions support the growth of micro-organisms?
Food, moisture, and adequate temperature.
Name the five main types of micro-organisms.
Bacteria, viruses, protists, fungi, and algae.
What shape are streptococci bacteria?
Chains of round cells.
What disease is caused by pneumococci?
Pneumonia.
What is unique about viruses compared to other micro-organisms?
They only exhibit life characteristics when inside living cells.
What is the structural composition of a virus?
A nuclear material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat.
Name an example of a protist.
Euglena or Paramecium.
How do fungi obtain their food?
Saprophytically, by feeding on decaying organic matter.
Name two examples of unicellular algae.
Chlamydomonas and Protococcus.
What is culturing in microbiology?
Growing micro-organisms in a controlled environment using a special medium.
What is a culture medium?
The material used to grow micro-organisms in a laboratory.
Name three instruments used in culturing micro-organisms.
Petri dishes, test tubes, and microscopes.
What precaution should be taken when working with culture media?
Sterilize all instruments and wash hands before and after preparation.
Why can't viruses be cultured in agar?
They require living cells to grow and multiply.
How can micro-organisms in air or water be identified?
By exposing a culture medium to the environment and observing growth.
What are the three categories of water micro-organisms?
Soil micro-organisms, natural water micro-organisms, and sewage micro-organisms.
What is a carrier of micro-organisms?
Any agent, living or non-living, that transfers microbes from one place to another.
Name one biological vector of micro-organisms.
Mosquitoes.
1 / 20