Vocabulary
Microorganisms and bacteria
Helpful
Harmful
100
What is a microorganism?
An organism that is too small to see with the unaided eye
100

What are the four shapes of bacteria?

Cocci, bacilli, vibrios, and spirilla

100

What are saprophytes?

Decomposers that feed on the remains of organic matter.

100

What are parasites?

Parasites invade our body and harm it. They cause diseases.

200

What are bacteria?

Bacteria are microscopic living organisms usually one-celled

200

What is an example of an autotrophic bacteria?

Cyanobacteria

200

What are gut microbiota bacteria?

They live in symbiosis with our body and help it to function properly.

200

What do saprophytic, parasitic, and symbiotic bacteria all have in common?

They are all heterotrophs.

300

What is does cocci mean?

sphere shaped

300

What do microorganisms include?

viruses, bacteria, protists, and fungi

300

What is symbiosis?

they live in association with other living beings. Both organisms benefit.

300

What do these diseases have in common?: salmonellosis, cholera, botulism, tetanus, and cavities

Caused by parasites

400

What is binary fission?

Bacteria divides everything in half to create two identical daughter cells.

400

How do bacteria move and how do they reproduce?

They move with flagella and they reproduce through binary fission/

400

What food is made using bacteria?

dairy products (yogurt), vinegar, alcohol...

400

What type of bacteria contaminates food?

Saprophytes or decomposers. They alter foods and spoil them.

500

What are cyanobacteria?

They make their own food through the process of photosynthesis.

500

What characteristics do microorganisms share?

They are microscopic, their biological organization is simple, they perform the vital functions in a basic way, they are resistant and adaptable, and they are essential to life on Earth.

500

How can some bacteria be good for you?

Help your body to function properly, oxygenate the air and water, purify waste, and help make food.

500

How can some bacteria be bad for you?

They can cause disease and can contaminate food.

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