BACTERIA - What we need to know

BACTERIA - All what we need to know

Invention of microscope opened up the world of every tiny organisms called micro-organism known only as germs and microbes, they are formed nearly everywhere in nature

§  In air, water and soil.

§  On surface of objects and living organism.

§  Within living organisms where they are able to make living cells.

They are commonly known to be disease causing agents. These are known as pathogens and are mainly the parasitic micro-organisms. Many micro-organisms, however benefit us very well especially the saprophytic ones that bring about the decay of organic matter.

Types of micro organisms

1.      All viruses – no cell structure.

2.      All bacteria and blue green algae – prokaryotic cell structure.

3.      All protists and certain fungi and algae – eukaryotic cell structure.

Though most micro-organisms are unicellular, some fungi and algae in this group are multicellular. The simplest and smallest micro-organisms are the viruses which do not have a cell structure. Bacteria and blue green algae are larger micro-organisms with a very simple cell structure, where the nucleus is not enclosed within a membrane. The protists, fungi and algae are larger than bacteria and have a complex cell structure with a nucleus that is enclosed within a membrane.

How Micro-organisms Enter The Body

Micro-organisms enter our body through different ways some of which are:

§  When rodents like rats, cockroach, etc. come in contact with our food stuffs.

§  Dirty habits of the people which is eating the food.

§  Unhygienic utensils and for eating such as dirty plates or spoons.