Main Groups of Microorganisms

 Main Groups of Microorganisms.There are many different kinds of microorganisms.They are classified on basis of shapes, structure, feeding habit, etc.Main groups of microorganisms are viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Viruses

viruses are tiny microscopic particles that grow when enter into the bodies of other organisms.The word virus means poison.Theyare ways harmful for living things as they cause diseases in human, animals, plants and other organisms.

 

Bacteria

Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that are present all around us.They are of different shapes.some them are harnfulby causing different diseases such as food poisoning,pneumonia, tuberculosis,etc. However, many of them are beneficial for us.

Fungi (Moulds and yeasts)

Fungi cannot make their own food.They absorb food from the source theyare growing on.Some fungi grow and feed on dead material while others feed on living plants and animales.Most fungi are harnless but some cause diseases in plants and humans.Moulds and yeasts are common examples of microscopic fungi.

Advantages and disadvantages of microorganisms

Most of the microorganisms do not cause diseases and are beneficial.Some advantages and disadvantages of microorganisms are mentioned below:

Advantages of Microorganisms

(1) Making foods

Some microorganisms together with bacteria and yeast are used in the manufacture of various foods. For example yeast help in making of bread and cheese whilst bacteria assist in yogurt making.

(2)Help in digestion

Many bacteria live in human intestine and help in digestion of food in the body.

(3)Making Medicines

Some fungi are used to obtain antibiotics. Antibiocs are the compounds that are used to kill and control the growth of bacteria which cause diseases in humans and animals.Now-a-days, many types of antibiotics are used against thebacterial diseases. The first antibiotic called "Penicillin" was obtained from a fungus, "penicillium".

(4)Microorganisms as decomposers

Some microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi break down the dead bodies into simpler substances.These simpler substances are mixed in the soil for reuse by the plants and other organisms.Such microorganisms which break down the dead bodiesby natural process are called decomposers.In this way, microorganisms recyclethe material between living and non-living enviroment.

Disadvantages of microorganisms

(1)sicknesses

some of the microorganisms motive illnesses in people, animals and plant life. Some viral diseases are not unusual bloodless, influenza, measles, hen pox, polio, hepatitis and aids.

Infection

The attack of disease-causing microorganisms in the body of an animal or plants is called infection.Infection diseases quickly spread fromone individual to another.