Infectious Microorganisms

Viruses are:

• Tiny infectious agents that can only multiply when they are inside a host, the living cells of plants, animals, or bacteria.

• Single-celled organisms that do not rely on a host.

• Organisms such as yeasts or molds that reproduce quickly in moist, humid environments.

Bacteria are:

• Tiny infectious agents that can only multiply when they are inside a host, the living cells of plants, animals, or bacteria.

• Single-celled organisms that do not rely on a host.

• Organisms such as yeasts or molds that reproduce quickly in moist, humid environments.

Fungi are:

• Tiny infectious agents that can only multiply when they are inside a host, the living cells of plants, animals, or bacteria.

• Single-celled organisms that do not rely on a host.

• Organisms such as yeasts or molds that reproduce quickly in moist, humid environments.

What is true about a virus?

• You can see them with a regular classroom microscope.

• They can reproduce on surfaces, like tables and chairs.

• They need a host to multiply.

• They cannot be passed from person to person.

T/F: Viruses can mutate, making them difficult to prevent or treat.

• True

• False

What is true about bacteria?

• You can see them with a regular classroom microscope.

• All bacteria are bad.

• All bacteria are good.

• They need a host to multiply.

T/F: Bacteria CANNOT multiply on surfaces, like tables and chairs.

• True

• False

What is true about fungi?

• They are bad.

• They cannot be spread from person to person.

• They can only live on a host.

• They can reproduce quickly.

T/F: It is okay to eat some fungi.

• True

• False

What is true of all of these infectious microorganisms?

• They all need hosts to thrive.

• They all can reproduce quickly.

• They all need a moist, humid environment.

• They are all predictable in shape.