1.

0 MICROORGANISMS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON LIVING THINGS

1.1 THE CLASSIFICATION OF MICROORGANISM

What Is Microorganism?
Tiny living things that only can be seen using microscope Classified based on their characteristics (appearance, shape, size, method of reproduction, nutrition and habitat) Classified into 5 groups:

Viruses

The smallest microorganisms Consist of nucleic acid (deoxyribonucleic acid/DNA) The shape can be helical or polyhedral Not a living cell and must use living cells to reproduce. E.g. HIV, Influenza virus etc. Parasites obtain food from animals, plants and some bacteria Reproduce by duplicating

Shapes Of Viruses

The reproductive cycle of viruses

Bacteria
Unicellular organisms Have cell wall Form spores under unfavourable condition

 Common

shapes spherical, rod-shaped, spiral and comma-shaped.

Some

can carry photosynthesis while some are parasites and saprothrops

asexually by binary fission or budding

Reproduce

Protozoa
Unicellular organism Have plasma membrane , nucleus and vacuole Can carry out living processes. E.g. Amoeba sp. and Paramecium sp. Paramecium sp. moves using cilium (cilia pl) and Amoeba sp. moves using pseudopodium (pseudopodia pl)

PROTOZOA

Reproduce asexually through binary fission

Algae
Can be unicellular or multicellular Autotrophs - have chlorophyll and chloroplast Can undergoes photosynthesis process. E.g. Spirogyra sp., Euglena and diatom

Reproduce

asexually through binary fission or sexually through conjugation

Fungi
Heterotrophic microorganisms parasites or saprophytes Feeds by secreting enzymes that break down the surrounding organic material into simple molecule before absorb them. E.g. Mucor sp., yeast and mould

Reproduce

through budding or spores

TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Why are viruses considered as parasites? Name the bacteria based on their shapes. How do Amoeba and Paramecium move? What makes algae similar to plants? How do fungi reproduce?

EXERCISE

Activity 1.1 on page 2 in Science Process Skills.

1.2 FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE GROWTH OF MICROORGANSMS

Microorganisms can be found everywhere. They have the ability to reproduce and grow in different condition 5 factors that affect the growth: 1. Nutrient 2. Humidity 3. Light 4. Temperature 5. pH

NUTRIENT
Microorganisms need energy for growth and reproduction. Nutrients are needed to supply energy. Microorganisms which have chlorophyll can undergoes photosynthesis to make their own food. Parasites absorb nutrients from their hosts. Saprophytes feeds on dead matter Growth rate of microorganism will be higher when there are enough nutrients.

HUMIDITY Almost all the microorganisms live in damp and watery habitats. They need water to stay alive. Environment with the moisture content between 25% to 40% is suitable for microorganisms to carry out their normal activities. In a dry condition they become inactive.

LIGHT Algae only can live where there is enough light because they need light to carry out photosynthesis process. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can live with or without light. The sunlight could effect the growth rate of some of the microorganism and even can kill them.

TEMPERATURE Temperature between 35oC and 40oC is suitable for most of the microorganisms activities. At temperature 0oC the microorganisms become inactive. When the temperature is more than 50oC, bacteria become spores. Bacterial spores can survive at the temperature up to 120oC

PH

Generally pH 7 (neutral) is suitable for the growth of microorganisms.

TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING

1.

2.

3.

4.

What are the factors that affect the growth of microorganisms? How does humidity affect the growth of microorganisms? What kind of microorganisms that cannot live without light? What is the optimum temperature for the growth of microorganisms?

ANSWERS
1.

2.

3.
4.

The factors that affect the growth of microorganisms are nutrients, humidity, light, temperature and pH. Microorganisms likes to live in damp and watery habitat because they need water to live. Algae cannot live without light. The optimum temperature for the growth of microorganisms are temperature between 35oC and 40oC .

USEFUL MICROORGANISMS

USE OF MICROORGANISMS

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Some microorganisms are useful and benefits us. They play important roles in: Food digestion Decaying process Medicine Agriculture Industry

1. FOOD DIGESTION

Certain kinds of bacteria live in the intestine of human beings and other animals They help in digestion and in destroying harmful organism They also produce vitamins (e.g. Vitamin K) Examples of bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacteria, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus. Herbivores caecum contain bacteria that produce cellulase, an enzyme which break down cellulose into glucose

2. DECAYING PROCESS

1.

2.

Many bacteria help decompose (break down) dead organisms and animals wastes into chemical compounds. Examples: Sewage treatment bacteria break down the solid wastes into harmless by products such as carbon dioxide Fungi breaks down the complex animal and plant matter into simple compounds

3. MEDICINE
Some type of microorganisms produce important drugs called antibiotics. Antibiotics compound that can weaken or destroy other microorganisms Example Penicillium notatum produce penicillin used to treat many diseases cause by bacteria Some bacteria have been genetically engineered to produce vaccines and insulin

4. AGRICULTURE
Bacteria play important roles to promote the plant growth. Bacteria and fungi break down dead plants and animals releasing ammonia which adds nitrogen into the soil. The nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil change the ammonia into nitrates, taken by plant to make amino acids.

Groundnut use Rhizobium which live in the plants root (root nodules/legumes) to convert nitrogen into amino acids. Microorganisms are also used as pesticides. Example genes from the genetically engineered bacteria are inserted into certain crops which can cause them to produce toxin that is harmful to some insect pests

5. INDUSTRY
Certain bacteria are used in the production of milk, yogurt and cheese through the process of fermentation. Several types of bacteria are also involved in making vinegar, soy sauce, chocolate and certain B vitamins. Bacteria are also used in the production of citric acid, a compound added to candy and to most soft drinks.

Cheese manufacturers add moulds to ripen the cheeses and provide their distinctive flavours. Yeast causes the bread to rise by producing carbon dioxide from the carbohydrates in the dough and makes the bread become fluffy.

TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

How do bacteria help in food digestion in herbivores? Name the by-product produced by bacteria in sewage treatment. Name the antibiotic the physician use in treating diseases caused by bacteria. What is the role of the nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil? How does yeast play an important role in the production of bread?

1.4 THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF MICROORGANISMS

WHAT ARE THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF MICROORGANISMS?

1. 2.

They can cause diseases Two ways: Produce poisonous chemical called toxins Attack and destroy host cells and body tissues Microorganisms that can harm human beings and other living things are called pathogens.

DISEASES CAUSED BY BACTERIA

1.

2.
3. 4.

Tuberculosis (TB) Cholera Gonorrhea Syphilis

1. TUBERCULOSIS

Cause by bacilli bacteria Infectious disease through air or water droplets. Affect the lungs, lymph nodes, bones and joints. Symptoms severe coughing, chest pain, fever, sweating at night, fatigue, weight loss and loss of appetite.

2. CHOLERA
Caused by vibrios bacteria. Transmitted by water or food that has been contaminated with the feaces of the people who have the disease. Occurs when bacteria enter the intestines and release toxin which causes the person to suffer from severe diarrhoea Other symptoms - vomiting and fatigue

3. GONORRHEA
Caused by cocci bacteria A sexually transmitted disease. Cause serious health problem in women. Infect the urethra of male reproductive organ Symptoms burning sensation when urinating accompanied by some discharge

4. SYPHILIS
Caused

by spirilia bacteria. Sexually transmitted disease. Symptoms small, red pimples at the site of infection on the reproductive organ, rash on the sole of feet and palm, fever, headache and hair loss. If untreated, the bacteria may attack the brain, heart, skin, bones and spinal cord. May cause blindness, deafness, mental illness, heart failure, paralysis and bone deformities

DISEASES CAUSE BY VIRUSES

1.

2.
3. 4.

Common cold Dengue fever Hepatitis Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

1. COMMON COLD
Caused by viral infections of the mucous membranes of the nose, throat, the air passage and lungs Symptoms stuffy nose and difficulty in breathing Infection may spread to the ears, sinuses and the eyes. May cause bronchitis and pneumonia Often causing fever, aches, pains throughout the body, chills and lost of appetite

2. DENGUE FEVER
Caused by 4 distinct viruses carried by mosquito. Symptoms fever, headaches, eye aches, pain in the muscles and joints, runny nose, sore throats and skin rash. The symptoms appear 3 to 6 days after mosquito bites. Rash break out on the 5th day Fever subsides and rises In severe cases, patients experience very low blood pressure and weak pulse. Dengue haemorrhage can cause death.

3. HEPATITIS
Virus are the most common cause. Other causes are misuse of alcohol and drugs. There are 5 types of hepatitis - A, B, C, D, and E each caused by a different hepatitis virus. Hepatitis A is caused a virus called HAV. Hepatitis B is caused by the virus HBV. Hepatitis C is caused by the virus HCV. Hepatitis D is caused by the virus HDV. Hepatitis E is caused by the virus HEV.

Symptoms - fever, anorexia, nausea, and abdominal discomfort that is followed by jaundice (yellowing of the eyes), liver swells and a serious infection that can cause liver damage, which may result in cancer. Chronic infection may lead to a scarring of the liver, called cirrhosis. Almost everyone who gets hepatitis A has a full recovery. You can only get hepatitis D if you are already infected with hepatitis B.

4. ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS)

Cause by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). Symptoms enlarged lymph glands, tiredness, fever, loss of appetite and weight, diarrhoea, yeast infection of the mouth and vagina and night sweats. Cause infected people to be infected by other diseases

DISEASES CAUSE BY FUNGI

1.

2.

Tinea Ringworm

1. TINEA
A type of skin disease caused by fungal infection. Symptom - a white spots on facial skin, body, hands and feet.

2. RINGWORM.
Caused by tiny fungi Symptoms it begins as a small red area and can grow larger, the inside of the area clear and the eruption appears as red scaly ring. May attack neck, back, chest and abdomen

DISEASE CAUSE BY PROTOZOA

Malaria Caused by protozoa called Plasmodium Transmitted by female Anopheles mosquito (nyamuk tiruk) Symptoms high fever accompanied headache, muscular pain, nausea and feeling chill.

Anopheles mosquito Plasmodeum sp.

EXERCISE

Page 11 14 , activity 1.6 1.9 in the Process Skill book

1.5 WAYS TO PREVENT INFECTION

CAUSED BY MICROORGANISMS

1. 2. 3.

Ways to prevent infection caused by microorganisms are Control of vectors Sterilisation Immunisation

1. CONTROL VECTORS
Vectors are animals which carried pathogens. Examples: houseflies and mosquitoes Ways to control the vectors is by understanding the life cycles and habits

 Use insecticide aerosol spray to kill adult flies. Cover food to prevent direct contact. Keep the house clean

Throw food residue in a cover garbage bin to prevent the flies from lying eggs.

 Adult mosquitoes can be killed by spraying insecticide. Install netting at windows and doors Objects that hold stagnant water are destroyed.

Spray a layer of oil on the surface of water. Use chemicals to poison the larvae Rear guppies to eat pupa an larvae

2. STERILISATION

Any process that eliminates (removes) or kills all forms of life, including transmissible agents (such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, spore forms, etc.) present on a surface, contained in a fluid, in medication, or in a compound such as biological culture media. Done by heating (boiling and steaming), using of chemicals (antiseptic and disinfectant) and exposing to radiation (ultraviolet rays and germicidal lamps)

3. IMMUNISATION
A method used to cause the body to be resistance to a specific disease Antigenic components (vaccine) are introduced by injection or oral (taken through mouth) into the body to stimulate a protective immune response. Also known as vaccination

VARIOUS TYPES OF IMMUNITY

Immunity Active Naturally Active Immunity Artificially Active Immunity Passive Naturally Passive Immunity Artificially Passive Immunity

Natural Active Immunity - Obtained after a person recovers from infection Artificial Active Immunity Obtained through vaccination Natural Passive Immunity Babies obtained antibodies from their mothers milk Artificial Passive Immunity obtained by injecting antiserum containing antibody into the body

THE IMPORTANCE OF IMMUNITY

Protects against disease Avoid disease from spreading. Reduce fatality rate among children.

TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING

1.

2.
3.

4. 5.

6.

How can we control the vectors of pathogens? What are the ways to carry out sterilisation? What are the two types of chemicals commonly used for sterilisation? Name the two kinds of immunity. How is artificially active immunity acquired by the body? In what ways does active immunity differ from passive immunity?

EXERCISE

Do Activity 1.10 to 1.15 on page 14 to 18 in the Process Skill book.

1.6 WAYS TO TREAT DISEASES CAUSED BY MICROORGANISMS

Treatment

Modern
using

Tradisional
using

Vaccine Antiserum Synthetic medicine Antibiotic Antifungal Surgery

Roots Stems Branches Leaves Fruits

ANTIBIOTICS
Substance produced by certain bacteria or fungi that can kill pathogens Example Penicillium notatum produce penicillin

Fight microorganisms through three ways: 1. Prevention of cell wall formation 2. Disruption of the cell membrane 3. Disruption of chemical processes

ANTIFUNGAL
Use to treat fungal infection Kills or inhibits the growth of fungi Examples vinegar, tea tree oil and tea

THE DANGERS OF USING DRUGS WITHOUT

MEDICAL ADVICE AND THROUGH UNAUTHORISED PRESCRIPTION
The use of antibacterials for viral infections (common cold) making the patient to suffer from other complications. Failure to complete the entire prescribed course of antibiotic can result in antibiotic resistance. May cause allergies. Extensive use may damage tissues and organs.

TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING

1.

2. 3.

4.

What are the ways to treat disease caused by microorganisms? How do antibiotics differ from antifungals? Explain the effects of antibiotics on microorganisms. What are the dangerous side effects of antibiotics if used without medical advice or through unauthorised prescription?

EXERCISE

Do Activity 1.16 and 1.18 on page 19, 22, 23 and 24 in the Process Skill Book.

1.7 REALISING THAT MICROORGNISM

HAVE PROFOUND EFFECTS ON HUMAN BEINGS AND THE BALANCE OF NATURE

HOW MICROORGANISMS HAVE PROFOUND EFFECTS ON HUMAN BEINGS?

1. 2. 3.

4.

5.

Useful to human. Produce various useful substances Examples : Yeast to make bread. Bacteria Clostridium tyrobutyricum to make cheese. Bacteria such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus are used to produce yogurt. Penicillium a type of fungi produce penicillin, a type of antibiotic. Genetically modified bacteria used to produce insulin for treating diabetes.

HOW MICROORGANISMS HAVE PROFOUND EFFECTS ON THE BALANCE OF NATURE?

To preserve the balance of nature. Bacteria in the soil release nitrates used by plants. Microscopic algae that float in the oceans are the ultimate source of food for almost marine life. Decomposing bacteria helps to clean the environment from waste materials from humans, animals and plants. Nitrogen fixing bacteria helps in the nitrogen cycle. Some algae acts as oxygen factory since they release more oxygen to the atmosphere.

THE NITROGEN CYCLE

TEST YOUR UNDERSTANDING

1.

2.

Describe the roles of microorganisms on human. How do microorganisms help in maintaining the balance of nature?