Download Science Unit 4: Beneficial and Harmful Bacteria

Science Unit 4: Beneficial and Harmful Bacteria
Notes
Chapter 5 Lesson 2: What are Microorganisms? (pgs. 250-257)
Kinds of Microorganisms
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Microorganisms are living things that are too small to see without a microscope
Most only have 1 cell
o Bacteria
o Yeasts
o Molds
o Fungi
o protists
Bacteria
o shaped like rods, spirals, or balls
Yeasts and molds are fungi that are microorganisms
Fungi
o decomposers- they break down decaying plants and animals
Protists
o amoeba
o Make their own food or hunt for food
o Can be single-celled or multi-celled
Microorganisms are everywhere
o Digestive system to break down food
o Turn milk into yogurt
o Produce certain kinds of cheese
o Yeast- makes bread rise
Helpful and Harmful Microorganisms
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Helpful
o Phytoplankton- produce oxygen
o Penicillin and streptomycin- medicines
o Remove bacteria from wastewater treatment plants
o Help clean up oil spills
o Help plants take in nutrients from soil
o Cause dead things to decay
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Harmful
o Salmonella and e. coli- make you sick
o Fungi can kill crops
o Rot wood
o Spoil food
o Cause skin diseases (athlete’s foot)