Name: Nisha Iqbal
Roll number: 093
Subject: General Microbiology
Batch: IX- Sem ii
Microorganisms, often invisible to the naked eye, can be seen by using a microscope. They are
found almost everywhere on Earth and are very important for all ecosystems. From shaping
global biogeochemical cycles to influencing human health, their diversity and impact are
profound.
Types of microorganisms:
Bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae.
1. Bacteria
Definition:
Unicellular microorganisms that are among the oldest life forms on Earth.
Cellular Type:
Prokaryotes – no nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.
Structure & Characteristics:
Have a cell wall made of peptidoglycan, a cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, and a nucleoid.
Some possess flagella (for movement), pili (for attachment), or capsules (for protection). They
reproduce by binary fission and come in shapes like:
● Cocci (round)
● Bacilli (rod)
● Spirilla (spiral)
Examples:
Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus spp.
Beneficial Effects:
● Help in digestion and vitamin production
● Aid in nitrogen fixation
● Used in food production (e.g., yogurt, cheese)
● Clean up pollution (bioremediation)
Harmful Effects:
● Cause diseases (e.g., tuberculosis, pneumonia)
● Spoil food
2. Viruses
Definition:
Microscopic infectious agents that can’t live or reproduce on their own—they need a living host.
Cellular Type:
Acellular (not true cells).
Structure & Characteristics:
Consist of DNA or RNA enclosed in a protein shell called a capsid. Some have an outer
envelope derived from their host. Viruses are inactive outside host cells and hijack living cells to
reproduce.
Examples:
HIV, Influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Chickenpox virus
Helpful Effects:
● Used in gene therapy
● Bacteriophages treat bacterial infections
● Used in natural pest control
Harmful Effects:
● Cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants
● Damage crops
● Lead to major health outbreaks
3. Fungi
Definition:
Diverse eukaryotic organisms (e.g., yeasts, molds, mushrooms) that absorb nutrients from their
surroundings.
Cellular Type:
Eukaryotes
Structure & Characteristics:
Can be unicellular (e.g., yeast) or multicellular (e.g., molds). Multicellular forms have thread-
like structures called hyphae. Their cell walls contain chitin.
Examples:
Saccharomyces (yeast), Penicillium (mold), Agaricus (mushroom), Candida
Helpful Effects:
● Decompose organic matter
● Produce antibiotics (e.g., penicillin)
● Used in baking, brewing, and biotechnology
Harmful Effects:
● Cause infections (e.g., athlete’s foot, candidiasis)
● Trigger allergies
● Spoil food and damage crops
4. Protozoa
Definition:
Unicellular organisms that usually move and feed by engulfing particles.
Cellular Type:
Eukaryotes
Structure & Characteristics:
Lack a cell wall; move using cilia, flagella, or pseudopods. Many are aquatic; some are parasitic.
Examples:
Amoeba, Paramecium, Giardia, Plasmodium (causes malaria)
Helpful Effects:
● Serve as a food source in aquatic ecosystems
● Contribute to decomposition
● Help in wastewater treatment
Harmful Effects:
● Cause diseases like malaria, giardiasis, and dysentery
● Often transmitted through contaminated water
5. Algae
Definition:
Photosynthetic organisms mainly found in water; range from single cells to large seaweeds.
Cellular Type:
Eukaryotes
Structure & Characteristics:
Contain chloroplasts, cell walls, and pigments for photosynthesis. Can be unicellular or
multicellular.
Examples:
Spirogyra, Diatoms, Kelp, Chlamydomonas
Helpful Effects:
● Produce oxygen
● Form the base of aquatic food chains
● Used in food, fuel production, and industry
Harmful Effects:
● Algal blooms can release toxins
● Reduce water quality
● Harm aquatic life
