Microorganism Basics
An organism so small it must be seen with a microscope.
What is a microorganism?
Are viruses living or nonliving?
Nonliving
Are bacteria single-celled or multicellular?
Single-celled
What type of cell do protists have: prokaryotic or eukaryotic?
Eukaryotic
Are fungi autotrophs or heterotrophs?
Hererotrophs
Name two examples of microorganisms.
Viruses, bacteria, fungi, protists
What is a host?
An organism that provides energy or an environment for a virus
Do bacteria have a nucleus?
No
Name one example of a protist.
Giardia
How do fungi obtain food?
By absorbing nutrients through their cell walls
Which tool is required to see most microorganisms?
A microscope
Name one common shape of a virus.
Round, thread, bullet, brick, or robot
What are the three basic shapes of bacteria?
Ball, rod, spiral
What is a parasite?
An organism that benefits from living on or in a host
How do fungi reproduce?
Using fruiting bodies that release spores
Which group of microorganisms includes organisms like mold?
Fungi
How are viruses often named?
After the disease they cause or where they were discovered
What makes some bacteria infectious?
They release toxins
Give an example of a parasite.
Leech
Name one beneficial role of fungi.
Food production or decomposition
Which group of microorganisms is considered eukaryotic?
Protists
What are the four steps of viral reproduction?
Attach → Inject genetic material → Take over cell → Cell bursts and releases new viruses
How do bacteria survive harsh conditions?
By forming endospores
Why are protists difficult to classify?
They don’t fit into plant, animal, or fungi groups
Name one harmful effect of fungi.
Cause infections or destroy property