Classification of Microorganisms
Microorganisms are classified into four major categories. They are:
- Algae
- Bacteria
- Fungi
- Protozoa
Algae
Algae are a group of oxygenic, phototrophic, and eukaryotic microorganisms. They can exist in different ecosystems like fresh water or marine, deserts, snow, and ice. Algae can exist as single cells (example: Chlamydomonas) or together in chains (example: Spirogyra). Green algae have chlorophyll pigment that can generate oxygen through photosynthesis.
Bacteria
Bacteria is a single-celled organism that comes in various shapes like spheres, rods, and spirals. Some bacteria are pathogenic and cause diseases, whereas others are useful to plants and animals. Bacteria are classified into five groups based on their shapes: spherical (cocci), rod-shaped (bacilli), spiral-shaped (spirilla), comma-shaped (Vibrios), or corkscrew-shaped (spirochaetes).
Fungi
Fungi can be unicellular (yeast) or can be complex multicellular (mushroom) organisms. Fungi mostly live on land, mainly in soil or with plants. Some fungi are parasites to plants and cause diseases. Very few fungi cause diseases in animals and humans. Examples are Bread mold, Penicillin, Aspergillus, etc.
Protozoa
Protozoa are a group of single-celled eukaryotic organisms that are either free-living or parasitic. They cause diseases like dysentery and malaria. Examples are Amoeba and Paramecium.
Viruses are also microscopic, but they are not considered microorganisms. This is because viruses are just genetic materials, and they need the help of other organisms like plants, animals, or other microbes for survival and reproduction. Viruses cause diseases like cold, cough, influenza, polio, chicken pox, etc.
Where do Microorganisms Live?
Microorganisms are cosmopolitan i.e. they are found everywhere. Microorganisms are present everywhere and they can survive in all types of environments. They are also present in the bodies of different animals and plants. Some microorganisms are useful for plants, animals, and humans, whereas others cause diseases. In this article, we will cover in detail where microorganisms live.
Table of Content
- What are Microorganisms?
- Where do Microorganisms Live?
- Air
- Water
- Extreme Environments
- Plants and Animals
- Classification of Microorganisms
- Microorganisms as Friend
- Harmful Effects of Microorganisms
- Disease Causing Microorganisms in Humans