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Microorganisms
C1 Workbook
Complete this set of assignments and, to move on to
the next set of assignments, you must:
 Watch the microorganisms PowerPoint
presentation and complete the graphic organizer.
 Complete all worksheets.
 After you have completed your worksheets, you
will grade them by checking your answers in the
answer folder.
 Successful complete the quiz with a minimum
score of 6 out of 8.
Microorganisms
Microbes
Bacteria
Fungi
Protozoans
Algae
Bacteria (Bacterium singular)
 All bacteria are single-celled organisms (something that’s alive).
 Can belong to Kingdom Bacteria or Archae.
 Archae live in nuclear reactors, geysers, and hot pots found at Yellowstone,
etc.
 Bacteria are found everywhere.
Sources: Pictures 1 & 2 - University of California at Davis; Picture 3 – New Zealand Electronic Tech Center
 Come



in three shapes.
Round (coccus [plural cocci])
Rod (bacillus [plural bacilli] )
Spiral (spirillum)
 Some bacteria are consumers.
 Consumer – must find and consume
food to survive [animal-like].
 Some bacteria are producers.
 Producer - a living thing that makes
its food from simple substances and
sunlight [plant-like].
Source: Learning with Online Exercises in
Soil Science
 Beneficial uses of bacteria.
 Provides nitrogen for plants.
 Fixes the soil (changes the nitrogen to a form the plant can use).
 Get minerals from ores.
 Used to make plastics and laundry detergents.
 Help make antibiotics.
 Food production.
 Yogurt
 Sauerkraut
 Pickles
 Olives
 Chocolate
 Cheese
 Soy Sauce
 Harmful effects of bacteria.
 Cause Diseases (<1% of bacteria cause diseases)
 Three ways to get disease.
 Through air (breathe in).
 Through touch.
 Eating contaminated food.
 Examples of bacterial diseases.
 Dental caries (cavities).
 Strep throat.
 Salmonella.
 Typhoid fever.
 Causes disease in farm animals.
 Causes metal to rust and wear away.
 How to treat/prevent diseases.
 Vaccinations.
 Antibiotics.
 Wash hands after using bathroom or whenever dirty.
 Cook food properly.
 Store food properly.
 Cover mouth when sneezing, coughing.
Protozoans (Protozoa/Protista)
 All are single-celled organisms.
 Found in water.
 Can be consumer or producer.
 Major types of protozoan.
 Amoeba
 Is the simplest form of protozoan.
 Moves using psuedopods (False feet).
Source: DK Images
 Has no set shape.
 Clear.
 Is a consumer.
 Eats algae, bacteria, other protozoan, dead plant or animal matter.
 Euglena
 Oval shaped.
 Is green.
 Is a producer.
 Can also be a consumer.
 Moves using a whip-like flagellum
Source: DK Images
(flagella plural).
 Paramecium
 Oval shaped.
 Translucent.
 Moves using cilia (hair-like structures
around body)
Source: Biology Teaching & Learning Resources
 Consumer.
 Eats algae, bacteria, other protozoan, dead plant or animal matter.
 Spirogyra
 Simple plant.
 Producer.
 Free-floating
Source: Biology Teaching & Learning Resources
(go-with-the-flow).
 Has no form of movement. Only moves with the flow of
the water.
 Harmful effects of Protozoans.
 Cause diseases
 Example – giardia (diarrhea and abdominal pain)
 Don’t drink untreated water.
 Algae
 Plant-like
 Primarily green
 Can also be brown or red.
 Produce 50% of the oxygen we breathe.
 Primary source for organisms living in
water.
 Free-floating (go-with-the-flow).
 Range from single-cell to 100 meters long.
Source: Minnesota State
 Live in water.
Legislature Youth website.
 Benefits of algae.
 Used in …
 livestock feed.
 cosmetics.
 prescription drug production.
 identifying possible environmental problems.
 food production.
 Sushi.
 Ice cream.
 Pudding
 Salad dressing.
 Syrup.
 Primarily used as a thickener.
 Harmful effects of algae.
 Algal blooms.
 Certain types of algae grow rapidly.
 Grow large enough to form visual patches.
 Can deplete oxygen in water.
 Blocks sunlight.
 Can release toxins dangerous to animals and humans.
Fungi (fungus singular)
 Consumer.
 Eat by absorbing food.
 Get food from soil, wood, decaying organic (once living) matter, and living
plants/other organisms.
 Can be from single-celled to largest organism alive.
 Can’t move.
 Decomposers.
 Feeds on and breaks down dead plant or animal matter.
 Examples.
 Mushrooms.
 Truffles.
 A mushroom like fungus that grown underground; primarily found in
Europe; a highly valued food.
 Lichen
 Fungus often found as white or yellow patches on old walls, etc.
 Benefits of fungi.
 Used to make chemicals used in manufacturing.
 Produce antibiotics (example – penicillin).
 Clean the environment.
 Food production.
 Cheese
 Mushrooms
 Yeast
 Truffles
 Soy sauce
 Harmful effects of fungi.
 Causes 70% of all crop diseases.
 Diseases in humans.
 Respiratory (lung) diseases (example – pneumonia).
 Athlete’s foot.
 Ringworm (makes a raised round circle that looks like it was caused
by a worm).
"Doctor, doctor, will I be able to play the violin after the
operation?"
"Yes, of course..."
"Great! I never could before!"
Doctor: Did you take the patient's temperature?
Nurse: No. Is it missing?
Doctor: Does it hurt when you do this?
Patient: Yes.
Doctor: Well, don't do that.
Nurse: Doctor, there is an invisible man in your waiting room.
Doctor: Tell him I can't see him now. Next.
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!
Put away your running shoes and starting blocks. We’re not having a track meet;
we’re going to study microorganisms. Are you ready? Do you have any idea what you will
be learning? It’s always nice to have some idea where are you headed before you start
out on an adventure, so let’s see if we can get some kind of an idea. To do that, we will
look carefully at the word microorganism
Do you know what micro means? Have you ever used a microscope in your science
class or at home? Why did you use one? What kinds of things did you look at through
the microscope? Were they big or tiny? Did the microscope make them seem larger or
smaller? As you might have figured out, micro means small. That helps us some because
now we know we will be learning about something small.
The other part of our word is organism. According to the dictionary, an organism
is any form of life; any living thing. That helps us even more. Now we know we will be
learning about small, living things.
Wait a minute; we have to be sure we understand exactly what we mean when we
say we will learn about small living things. How small is small? Now we all know that an
elephant is pretty big! Does that mean that a mouse is small? Many bugs are even
smaller than mice! Are there other living things that are even smaller than bugs?
Let’s change our definition of micro just a bit. Let’s say that micro means too
small for the human eye to see. That gives us a better idea of the size of the living
things we will be studying.
Now, let’s be sure we really understand what we mean by living things. Scientists
have studied many living things. They have found that all living things are the same in
some ways. They all have some of the same characteristics. Let’s look at six
characteristics of all living things.
1. Living things are made of cells.
A cell is the basic unit of all living things. A cell is organized to help keep an
organism alive. A cell is responsible for reproduction, for growth and development, and
for responding to the environment. Some scientists say cells are like chemical
factories. They are always busy making something to keep their organisms alive and
well. Some organisms have only one cell. Other organisms have many cells that work
together. All organisms are made of cells.
2. Living things use energy
Organisms get the energy they need from the environment. Energy is needed for
life processes. Organisms use energy to reproduce. They use energy when they grow
and develop. They also use energy when they respond to their environments. Organisms
must have a balance between the energy they get from the environment and the energy
they use for life processes. All organisms use energy.
3. Living things grow and develop.
Think about a tiny tadpole. The tadpole will get bigger, grow legs,
lose its tail, and become a frog or toad. The tadpole will grow and
develop to become and adult amphibian. Now think about a
tiny acorn. The acorn will fall to the ground, germinate, and
form roots, a stem, and leaves. The tiny acorn will grow and develop to
become a mighty oak tree. All organisms grow and develop.
4. Living things respond to the environment.
What happens if you touch a hot burner on the stove in your kitchen? You pull
your finger away very quickly! You respond to the environment. When you touch the hot
burner, you have a stimulus. A stimulus is a change I the environment. When you pull
your finger away very quickly, you have a response. A response is the reaction to the
change in the environment. All organisms respond to the environment.
5. Living things reproduce.
When organisms reproduce, they make more organisms that look like themselves.
If your dog has puppies, the puppies look like the parent dogs. If a dandelion goes to
seed in your yard, you will have more dandelions that look just like the first one! All
organisms reproduce.
6. Living things are adapted to their environments.
Think about a Downy Woodpecker. It has four toes on each foot.
Two of the toes are facing forward, and two of them are facing backward.
The woodpecker’s toes help it hold onto the bark of a tree. A Downy
Woodpecker also has a stiff tail. This tail helps the woodpecker balance
against the trunk of a tree as it drills a hole in the bark. A Downy
Woodpecker also has a thick, pointed bill. The bill allows the woodpecker
to make holes in the hard wood of a tree to find insects. Finally, a Downy
Woodpecker has a long tongue. The woodpecker can put its tongue into the tree to find
insects. There is a tiny barb on the end of the tongue that can hook the insects and
carry them back in to the woodpecker’s mouth for a tasty lunch or dinner. An organism
must be adapted to the environment to be able to survive. All organisms have
adaptations that allow them to live in their environments.
All living things have all six characteristics. Some kinds of matter may have one
or two characteristics, but not all six. If it does not have all six characteristics, it is
not an organism. Every organism must have all six characteristics.
Okay, let’s review our definition. A microorganism is a tiny living thing that is too
small for the human eye to see. It is made of cells, uses energy, grows, and develops,
responds to it environment, reproduces, and is adapted to survive in its environment.
What Do You Need?
All living things have six characteristics in common. We just learned what those
six characteristics are. They also have basic needs that are the same. Let’s take a
look at what those basic needs are.
Energy
All organisms need energy. The Sun is the main source of energy for most life on
Earth. All living things either use the Sun directly or indirectly. Producers are
organisms that make their own food by using the Sun’s energy. They use their
“homemade” food to provide their energy. Without direct energy from the Sun,
produces would not be able to survive.
Consumers are organisms that eat other organisms. Some consumers eat plants.
Plants are producers. The plants use the Sun’s energy directly, but consumers still
depend on the Sun’s energy in an indirect way. Without energy from the Sun for the
produces, consumers would not have the food they need for energy.
Food
Imagine a day without food. You would feel pretty lousy if you could not eat
anything all day. Your body needs food for proper growth. As we have already learned,
producers are organisms that make their own food. They absorb nutrients from the
environment and use those nutrients to help keep them alive.
Remember that consumers are organisms that eat other organisms. There are
three basic groups of consumers. Herbivores are consumers that eat only plants.
Carnivores are consumers that eat only animals. Omnivores are consumers that eat
both plants and animals. All consumers get nutrients from their food sources.
Water
Organisms need water to stay alive. Water is used to dissolve and transport
substances. Nutrients are dissolved and wastes are transported in an organism’s water
supply.
Humans need water more than they need food. You can survive for a week or
more without food; however, you can only survive for a matter of days without water.
More than 70% of the human body is actually water. Water is needed by almost all of
your body systems.
For most organisms, not just any water will do. Most organisms require fresh
water; however, the majority of the Earth’s water is found in the oceans, which are salt
water. Most organisms cannot survive using salty ocean water. For example, ocean
water has mot than seven times the amount of slat that a human body can handle. In
order to use ocean water, the salts must be removed.
Microorganisms Questions
1. What does the word micro mean?
2. What does the word organism mean?
3. What are the six characteristics of all living things?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
4. Where do organisms get the energy they need?
5. If I put a pumpkin seed in the ground and keep it watered, what will happen to the
seed?
6. How is a polar bear adapted to its environment?
7. What is a microorganism?
8. After you determine what the word micro means, develop a definition for each of
the following terms:
a. microclimate –
b. microfilm –
c. micrometer –
d. microsurgery –
9. What is a producer?
10. How is a consumer different from a producer?
11. What is the main source of energy for most life on Earth?
12. What is:
a. an herbivore –
b. a carnivore –
c. an omnivore –
13. If a person weighs 100 pounds, how much of that would be water?
It’s So Simple: Kingdom Monera (Bacteria)
Scientists put all living things into five kingdoms: Monera, Protista, Fungi,
Plantae, and Animalia. (We’ll look at Monera, Protista, and Fungi). Let’s look at
Monerans.
Cell Structure
Moneran cells to not have a nucleus (brain). They are called prokaryotes, which
means “before a nucleus.” They also don’t have any organelles (“little organs”) to help
with life processes. They do have cell membranes and some of the also have cell walls.
Some kinds of Monerans have chlorophyll, as well (this makes them producers).
Number of Cells
Monerans are the simplest kinds of organisms. They have only one cell (singlecelled organism).
Kinds of Movement
Some kinds of Monerans are able to move on their own. They use simple
structures that look like whips. These are called flagella. Others cannot move.
Nutrition
Some Monerans are producers. Others are consumers.
Is it Moneran or Not?
Any organism that has these specific characteristics is a Moneran. If it doesn’t
have these characteristics, it’s not a Moneran.
1. I have recently found a new organism. I need to classify it. I think it should be
classified as a Moneran. Look at the following characteristics and see if you agree with
me. (Circle your answer).
a. My new organisms are very tiny. When I see it in the microscope, I notice it is
only one cell.
Could this be a Moneran?
Yes
No
b. When I look closely inside the cell, I notice there is no nucleus. I don’t notice
any organelles inside the cell.
Could this be a Moneran?
Yes
No
c. This cell does not seem to be able to move. I do not notice any structures on
or in the cell that would help it move.
Could this be a Moneran?
Yes
No
d. This cell has a cell wall and chlorophyll. It is able to use the Sun’s energy to
make its own food. It does not have any cell structures that would allow it to use other
organisms for food.
Could this be a Moneran?
Yes
Is this organism a Moneran?
No
Yes
No
For the Last Time, It’s Simple: Kingdom Fungi (Fungus)
Cell Structure
Fungi cells have a nucleus that is surrounded by a nuclear membrane. Like
protists, they are called eukaryotes. Fungi have cell organelles that help the nucleus
perform all life processes.
Number of Cells
Some fungi are single-celled organisms. Many of the members of this kingdom
are many celled.
Kinds of Movement
Fungi can’t move on their own.
Nutrition
Fungi do not have any chlorophyll. They are unable to make their own food;
therefore, they are not considered producers. They are not able to actually eat other
organisms, either. Instead, fungi are able to absorb nutrients from any other
organisms. Most fungi get their nutrition from dead or dying matter, so they are
classified as saprophytes.
Is it Fungi or Not?
Any organism that has these specific characteristics is a Fungus. If it doesn’t
have these characteristics, it’s not a Fungus.
1. Read each of the following statements. If the statement is true for a fungus, write
“T” on the line. If it is not true, write “F” on the line.
a. _____ It may have many cells.
b. _____ It has a cell membrane.
c. _____ It may have only one cell.
d. _____ It is a eukaryote.
e. _____ It is a producer.
f. _____ It can move voluntarily.
g. _____ It is a saprophyte.
h. _____ It is a prokaryote.
i. _____ It has organelles.
j. _____ It has chlorophyll and can photosynthesize.
It’s Still Pretty Simple: Kingdom Protista (Protozoan)
Cell Structure
Protozoans do have a nucleus and it’s surrounded by a nuclear membrane. They
are called eukaryotes, which means “true nucleus.” They also have cell organelles that
help the nucleus perform all the life processes.
Number of Cells
Most Protozoans are single-celled organisms. A few are made up of two or more
cells.
Kinds of Movement
Some Protozoans do not move at all, but
many of them are able to move. Some protists use
psuedpods, or false feet. The cell in this type of
protists is able to change its shape. It is able to
extend some of the cytoplasm to make a fake foot
or two. The feet are able to push or pull the cell
along.
Other protists move using tiny, hair-like structures called cilia. The cilia are
found on the outside of the cell. They are able to move very quickly back and forth,
moving the protists along through water or another liquid.
Finally, some protists move using flagella. These are simple, whip-like structures
that propel the protist through its environment.
Nutrition
Some protists are producers and have chloroplasts and chlorophyll. Others are
consumers.
Is it a Protist or Not?
Any organism that has these specific characteristics is a Protista. If it doesn’t
have these characteristics, it’s not a Protista.
1. Guess what? I have found some new organisms. I think they should be classified as
either Moneran or Protist, but I’m not sure. Look at the following characteristics and
see if you can decide which kingdom they should be in.
a. When I look at one of the organisms in the microscope, I notice a tiny nucleus
inside the cell. A membrane surrounds the nucleus.
This organism should be classified as a Moneran Protist
b. When I look at the next organism, I notice it has more than one cell. I don’t
see any tissues or organs, but the group of cells seems to be one organism, not a colony.
This organism should be classified as a Moneran Protist
c. This organism is moving. I notice that it is a single cell, with a flagellum. I
cannot tell if this organism has a nucleus or not.
This organism should be classified as a Moneran Protist Could be either
d. This is a simple organism with chloroplasts in its cell. It makes its own food.
This organism should be classified as a Moneran Protist
This organisms is most likely a: Moneran Protist
Microbes and Disease – Making the Link
Antoni van Leeuwenhoek was the first person to see a living microbe. He improved the
microscope. He Leeuwenhoek looked at things like a hair from his beard, a flea, and a
drop of rain. The water, he discovered, teemed with "little animals." These were
microbes.
It was 200 years before we discovered some of these microbes could cause disease.
Louis Pasteur thought microbes might also be responsible for illnesses.
He did a careful study of microorganisms. He learned how "microbes" cause disease.
Because of his work, hospitals became cleaner. They were much safer places to recover
from illness.
He discovered two silkworm diseases. Pasteur developed vaccines. Vaccines are a
weakened form of the microbe. This can be injected into people and prevent them from
getting the disease. Pasteur also invented the anthrax vaccine, the chicken cholera
vaccine, and the rabies vaccine.
Pasteur developed the process of pasteurization. Food or beverages are rapidly heated.
The stay at a temperature of around 140°F for a few minutes. This kills most of the
microbes. Milk and dairy products represent the most widespread use of pasteurization.
In the 1880s, Robert Koch identified some disease-causing bacteria. He learned how to
find which microbe caused what disease.
New Tools for Detecting Disease
More scientists began to study microbes. Improved microscopes became essential
research tools. It became easier to identify disease-causing microbes.
Electron microscopes magnify objects hundreds of thousands of times. The new
technologies will lead to improved and more effective treatments.
Questions
1. What is pasteurization? Why is it important?
2. To what did microscopes lead? Who was the first person to use a microscope and
discovered microbes?
3. Who was Louis Pasteur? What did he do? How did he do it?
4. How did scientists make the connection between microbes and illness?
A man goes to the eye doctor. The receptionist asks him why he is
there. The man complains, "I keep seeing spots in front of my
eyes."
The receptionist asks, "Have you ever seen a doctor?" and the
man replies, "No, just spots."
Microorganisms — From the Artist’s View!
Under a microscope, microorganisms can look like a colorful work of art! Using pictures
of microorganisms, draw three pictures of microorganisms as if you were seeing them
through a microscope.
Use colored pencils or water colors to draw your pictures. Remember, label your
pictures with the scientific name!
Microbe Mystery Box
(modified from an activity from the American Society for Microobiology)
Microorganisms are used to make many different products. Your assignment is to
explore a Microbe Mystery Box and select the items that were made using
microorganisms. Use the information sheet included in the box as you look at the items.
Complete the table as you explore your Mystery Box. (The number of items made from
microorganisms will differ from box-to-box. You may not fill up the entire table!)
Microbe Mystery Box # _______
Item
Microbe Used
Things Made Using Microorganisms
Air - About 50% of the oxygen we breathe comes from algae in the ocean.
Artificial Sweeteners- Bacteria make some ingredients used in artificial
sweeteners.
Blue Cheese – A special type of fungus is used to give the cheese color and
its tangy taste.
Bread - The yeast (fungi) produces carbon dioxide which makes the bread
rise.
Brie, Camembert, and other soft cheeses - a fungus breaks down the
acids in the curd. Bacteria are also involved in keeping the cheese soft.
Butter - A starter containing bacteria gives butter its taste and smell.
Buttermilk - Formed by adding unpasteurized milk containing bacteria to
undergo fermentation at room temperature.
Chalk - Calcium carbonate (limestone) produced from the shells of sea
microorganisms that have settled to the bottom of the sea.
Cheese - Different types of bacteria and fungi are added to milk curd and
are allowed to ferment and age. The cheeses made have different tastes
and hardnesses. Carbon dioxide produce by bacteria is responsible for the
holes in Swiss cheese.
Chocolate - Pods containing the cocoa beans in the pulp are collected,
broken open, and the beans are removed. The beans are spread on banana
leaves or put in sweat boxes where wild yeast ferment them for 2-9 days,
producing various flavors.
Corn Syrup – Bacteria and fungi help thicken the corn syrup.
Cortisone Cream - Microorganisms are used in to help make the steroid
hormones used in the cream.
Diary-Ease -This product contains lactase produced by yeast. It is used
to help lactose intolerant people eat dairy products.
DaVinci’s Last Supper - Destruction of works of art, both painting and
sculpture, can be caused by airborne microbes and microbes that live in
stone.
Dynamite - is made using diatoms. Diatoms are protozoans with a hard
shell.
Grass, trees, and plants – Some fungi enter the plant roots, die, and
provide food for the plant.
Ketchup - Contains vinegar made by from bacteria.
Marshmallow – Carrageenan (produced by algae) is used to keep the
marshmallow thick and hold its shape.
Monosodium Glutamate - The flavor enhancer, MSG, used in Asian cooking
is produced by bacteria.
Olives - Bacteria is used to remove sugars from the plants and add flavor
and aroma.
Orchids – Need a fungus to help roots increase the amount of water and
nutrients it can absorb.
Peanuts – Fungi attach to root hairs and change the nitrogen to a form the
peanut plant case use.
Pickles – Bacteria is used to remove sugars from the plants and add flavor
and aroma.
Plastic – Bacteria are necessary to help make plastic.
Pudding – Algae produce carrageenan that is used to thicken the pudding.
Rice - Requires blue green algae to change nitrogen to a form the plant can
use.
Salad Dressing - Is made with vinegar which is made from bacteria.
Sauerkraut – Cabbage is fermented in bacteria to give sauerkraut its
flavor.
Soft Scrub – Uses carbonate shells of diatoms (a type of protozoan).
Soy Sauce – Bacteria and fungi are used when making soy sauce.
Toothpaste – Diatom shells (a type of protozoan) are used as an abrasive in
toothpaste.
Vinegar - A product made by dripping ethanol over wood chips covered with
bacteria.
Yogurt – Bacteria change milk products into yogurt.