The basics about the types of micro organisms we have around us as well as how they can be beneficial or harmful to humans.

1. Grade 8:Microorganisms
Compiled by Ntuli Zandile
220017159

2. What are microorganisms?
°The suffix "micro-" means small
°Microorganisms are tiny living
organisms which we cannot see
with the naked eye
°a microscope can be used
to view them

3. °Microorganisms can be unicellular
or multicellular
°they can also survive under a
variety of conditions,while some
thrive under cold climates,some
require warmth

4. Types of
Microorganisms
°Fungi
°Viruses
°Bacteria
°Protists

5. Fungi
Largest microorganisms
and can sometimes be
seen with the naked eye
One of the five
kingdoms
Examples include yeast,
bread mould and
mushrooms

6. Cannot survive without a host
body
Common examples include
the Human Immunodeficiency
Virus and SARS-CoV-2
Viruses

7. Bacteria
Unicellular and vary in shape and size
Examples include E. Coli and
Myobacterium tuberculosis
Bacteria can be rod-shaped, spherical
or spiral shaped

8. Protists
Included in the five kingdoms of living
things
Some are plant like and some are animal
like
Example:Plasmodium

9. M icr oor ganisms
as a frenemy :
Useful vs harmful
microorganisms

10. Although microorganisms have a
bad reputation for causing
disease,they can be useful to
humans
Uses

11. They can be used in food production
Yeast is used in the making of foods such as
fat cakes and ujeqe (steamed bread)
Bacteria such a lactic acid bacteria is
responsible for the fermentation of
umqombothi

12. Some bacteria are used in the production of
antibiotics and some vaccines are made
from dead or inactive microorganisms
Microorganisms are also responsible for th
decomposition of dead matter

13. Harmful
microorganisms
Microorganisms can be inconvenient and
sometimes harmful to humans
Fungi like mould can grow on food items
such as bread or fruit... Making it inedible

15. Some microorganisms
cause disease and these
are known as
PATHOGENS

16. Protists can cause diseases such as malaria,
The protist that causes malaria is known as
the Plasmodium and is carried by the
anopheles mosquito

17. A common disease caused by a virus is the
HIV/AIDSwhich is caused by the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus pictured below

18. Tuberculosis, a respiratory disease,is
caused by a bacteria and is spread
when an infected person coughs or
sneezes into the air
Ringworm and Athlete's foot are a few
examples of diseases caused by fungi

19. Food preservation and
avoiding disease
Table salt can be used to
prevent the growth of
Microorganisms and thus
preserve certain foods for
longer

20. It is important to wash fruit and
vegetables before consumption to get rid
of any harmful microorganisms
Heating food can also kill microbes while
refrigerating may prevent growth

21. Using a method called Pasteurisation, milk is
heated to about 70° C for 15 to 30 seconds
before being immediately chilled. This method
is used to prevent the growth of microbes and
keep milk fresh

22. References
Elwin Binu. September, 2020. Microorganisms - Friend
or foe. [PowerPoint Slides].
https://www.slideshare.net/ElwinBinu/microorganisms
-friend-or-foe
Yoshy Faweta. November, 2014. Micro Organisms.
[PowerPoint Slides].
https://www.slideshare.net/YoshyFaweta/micro-
organisms-41237766
Lukhele, T. M. March, 2014. Micros for Thulane.
[PowerPoint Slides].
https://www.slideshare.net/TMLukhele/micros-for-
thulane

23. Muskan Singh. June, 2013. Microorganisms
; friend and foe. [PowerPoint Slides].
https://www.slideshare.net/winnermuskan/
microorganisms-friend-and-foe
Azmat Ahmed. December, 2014. Micro
Organisms, Friendly or Enemy. [PowerPoint
Slides].
https://www.slideshare.net/azmatahmed3/
umer-nawaz-42721089