13-09-2012, 04:01 PM
Microorganisms
microbes.ppt (Size: 153 KB / Downloads: 92)
Microbes
too small to be seen with the naked eye
aggregations or colonies can be seen without the aid of a microscope
are found almost anywhere
are more abundant than any other life form
they are forms on which all others depend.
Pathogens
disease causing agents
AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Botulism - food poisoning
Tuberculosis
Polio
Disease
Microbes cause disease by directly damaging tissues and weakening bodily functions or by producing toxins that do.
Water Dwelling microbes
algae and bacteria
largest producers of carbon containing compounds through photosynthesis
Enzymes
organic molecules that speed up biochemical reactions without being used up or becoming part of the end product.
A catalyst - causes a reaction to take place
Decomposers and Recyclers
world’s greatest recyclers
Keep elements like C and N cycling through the environment
Used to treat sewage, clean up toxic wastes, processing materials
Recyclers
more than one type of bacterium is needed to convert atmospheric N into a form useable by plants.
Requires three different chemical reactions.