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1.4 Microorganisms
Goals

Microorganisms are living things too small to see
with just our eyes.

We can use microscopes to see them.

They are often made of one cell, but can be simple
multi-celled organisms.

They can be producers, herbivores, carnivores, or
decomposers.
Main types

Bacteria are some of the smallest microorganisms
and can be helpful or harmful.

Protists are also helpful or harmful, but are larger
than bacteria.

Because they are larger, they can often contain
special structures for jobs and processes that bacteria
do not.
ALGAE
AMOEBA
EUGLENA
Producers and consumers

Algae are protists in water that carry out
photosynthesis. Are they producers or consumers?

Amoeba changes its body shape to move and
surround food. Is it a producer or consumer?

Euglena have a tail to move, but can also perform
photosynthesis during daylight.
MOLD
FUNGI
End of the road

Many microorganisms also act as decomposers.

Fungi grow on plants such as trees that fall down.

Mold is a specific type of fungi that can grow on
wood and even bread.

Bacteria also break down different nutrients from
decaying matter.
Let’s get specific

Tooth bacteria – tooth decay

Bacteria in ticks – Lyme disease

Amoeba-like protists - dysentery

Protist in mosquitoes - malaria

Salmonella bacteria – food poisoning
But…