Microorganisms : Types of Microorganisms

Microorganisms.

There are a large number of living organisms around us. We can see most of the living organisms with naked eye. However, there are a large number of other organisms which are so small that it is not possible to see them with the naked eye. They can be observed only with the help of microscope.

Microscope

The living organisms which cannot be seen with the naked eye and can only be observed through a microscope are called microorganisms.

Microorganisms may be Unicellular (single- cell) or multicellular (many-celled). The first scientist to discribe microorganisms was Dutch scientist Antonie Can Leeuwenhoek. In 1674, he observed living cells for the first with the help of his microscope. The science which deals with the study of microorganisms is called microbiology. The scientist who study microorganisms are called microbiologist.

Microorganisms are present everywhere. Some are live alone While others grow in group called colonies. They are found in Every kind of environment. They are found in air, soil and in water bodies like seas, lakes, and ponds. They are also found in dead and decaying organisms and even inside our bodies. They can exist in extreme conditions of temperature like droughts, in hot water springs, in deserts, polar regions and marshy lands. They survive in extreme environmental conditions by forming a hard outer covering called cyst.

Types of Microorganisms.

Microorganisms are found in following major groups :

Bacteria ( singular : bacterium ) Bacteria are the very small and the simplest living organisms. They are vary in size from 0.2 to 100 microns. They are single celled organisms found all most everywhere.

(Bacteria)

Viruses ( singular : virus ) The word virus means poisonous liquid. Viruses are the smallest microorganisms ( size 20-30 microne. They can be studied under an electron microscope.

Influenza ( Virus )

Fungi ( singular : fungus ) Fungi is a group of diverse organisms that lack chlorophyll. They generally grow in dark, warm and moist conditions. Some examples of fungi are yeast, mould, mushroom, parnicillium.

Yeast ( Fungi )

Algae ( singular : alga ) Algae is a group of simple plants. Algae in Latin means 'sea weeds'. They are vary in size, shape and habitat. Some examples of algae are Chlamydomonas, sea weeds, spirogyra, Volvox.

Volvox ( Algae )

Protozoa ( singular : protozoan ) Protozoan means the 'first animal'. Protozoa are the unicellular microorganisms. They are included in separate kingdom protests. They are found in the lakes, ponds, rivers, seas, and damp soil. Some examples of protozoa are: Amoeba, paramecium, Eureka, Trypanosoma.