Question

Explain the different groups of microorganisms.

Answer 1

The organisms which can only be seen under microscope are called microorganisms. Microorganisms are mainly classified into 5 groups.
(i) Bacteria : Bacteria are said to be the oldest organisms that are found to exist on earth. They exist in four different shapes, rod shaped, spherical, curved and spiral. Examples include Lactobacillus and Streptococcus.
(ii) Protozoa : These are the single celled organisms which have animal like structure. Examples include Amoeba and Euglena.
(iii) Algae : These are a group of simple plants. Examples include Chlorella and Diatoms.
(iv) Fungi : These are a group of different organisms which do not contain chlorophyll, and feed on dead and decaying matter. Examples include yeasts and moulds.
(v) Virus : These are the smallest organisms which are visible only through electron microscope. They grow and multiply inside the cells of living organisms. Examples include Tobacco mosaic virus and Human Immuno-deficiency virus.