Microorganisms Flashcards
(23 cards)
Basics of Microorganisms
What are microorganisms?
Tiny organisms that are not visible to the naked eye, such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and some algae.
Basics of Microorganisms
How do viruses differ from other microorganisms?
Viruses reproduce only inside the host organism’s cells (bacteria, plants, or animals).
Basics of Microorganisms
Name four types of microorganisms.
Bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae.
Where Microorganisms Live
Where can microorganisms be found?
In air, water, soil, and inside the bodies of plants and animals.
Where Microorganisms Live
Can microorganisms survive in extreme environments?
Yes, they can live in extreme conditions like hot springs, deserts, icy waters, and even boiling mudpots.
Beneficial Microorganisms
Which microorganism helps convert milk into curd?
Lactobacillus bacteria.
Beneficial Microorganisms
What is fermentation?
The process of converting sugar into alcohol using yeast.
Beneficial Microorganisms
How do microorganisms help in agriculture?
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria like Rhizobium enrich soil by converting atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms.
Harmful Microorganisms
What are pathogens?
Disease-causing microorganisms.
Harmful Microorganisms
Name a disease caused by a virus and its mode of transmission.
Polio; transmitted through air or water.
Harmful Microorganisms
Which microorganism causes malaria?
Protozoa, carried by the female Anopheles mosquito.
Food Preservation
Why is salt used in food preservation?
It prevents the growth of bacteria by drawing out moisture.
Food Preservation
What is pasteurization?
A process where milk is heated to about 70°C and then chilled to kill harmful microbes.
Food Preservation
Name two chemicals used as food preservatives.
Sodium benzoate and sodium metabisulfite.
Antibiotics and Vaccines
What are antibiotics?
Medicines that kill or stop the growth of harmful bacteria.
Antibiotics and Vaccines
Why should antibiotics not be overused?
Overuse can lead to antibiotic resistance and may kill beneficial bacteria.
Antibiotics and Vaccines
What is the role of vaccines?
Vaccines introduce weakened or dead microbes to build immunity against diseases.
Communicable Diseases
How can communicable diseases spread?
Through air, water, food, or contact with infected individuals or animals.
Communicable Diseases
Which mosquito carries the dengue virus?
The female Aedes mosquito.
Communicable Diseases
How can we prevent mosquito-borne diseases?
By preventing water stagnation, using mosquito nets, and spraying insecticides.
Nitrogen Cycle
What is nitrogen fixation?
The process where bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable compounds.
Nitrogen Cycle
Which microorganism lives in root nodules of leguminous plants?
Rhizobium bacteria.
Nitrogen Cycle
Why does nitrogen need to be converted into compounds?
Plants and animals cannot directly use atmospheric nitrogen.
