Microorganisms

A microorganism is...

• A microscopic cell

• The smallest unit of all living things

• A very small living thing

• A tiny structure within a cell that performs a specific job

The 5 types of microorganisms are: Bacteria, Virus, Fungi, Protozoa, and...

• Germs

• Animals

• Plants

• Algae

These 2 types of microorganisms are decomposers that break down dead organisms and return their nutrients back into the soil.

• Fungi and bacteria

• Algae and protozoa

• Viruses and algae

• Viruses and protozoa

Algae are plant-like organisms. They are not classified as plants because...

• They cannot make their own food through photosynthesis

• They lack the specialized parts plants have

• They are sorted into groups by their color

• They live in environments with water

Microorganisms are always harmful and cause sickness or disease in the organisms they come in contact with.

• True

• False

Which of the following statements about bacteria is false?

• Bacteria live everywhere in all kinds of environments

• Bacteria need water, the right temperature, and sometimes oxygen to survive.

• Bacteria are made of cytoplasm, a cell membrane, a cell wall and sometimes a flagella.

• Mold is a common type of bacteria that sometimes grows on our food.

Red Tide is caused by a harmful protozoa in the ocean that can kill fish and make humans ill.

• True

• False

Some of our food like cheese and yogurt contain which helpful microorganism:

• Viruses

• Amoebas

• Flagellas

• Bacteria

Organisms that feed on dead organisms and return their nutrients to soil are called:

• Producers

• Composers

• Decomposers

• Heterotrophs

Scientists cannot agree on whether or not this type of microorganism is a living thing because it needs a living host to survive.

• Viruses

• Bacteria

• Algae

• Protozoa