Microbiology

• Types of micro-organisms


  • Bacteria
  • Fungi
  • Viruses
• Bacteria


  • Salmonella
• Fungi


  • Athletes foot
• Viruses


  • Influenza
• Helpful roles of micro-organisms

  • Decomposition
  • Food production
  • Biotechnology
  • Digestive system
• Decomposition


  Allows dead matter to be broken down and minerals recycled
• Food production


  Alcohol, baking
• Biotechnology


  Make drugs, vitamins, fuels
• Digestive system


  Prevent growth of disease causing microorganisms, make vitamins
• Pathogens


  Disease causing micro-organisms
• Diseases caused by micro-organisms

  • Viruses: measles, mumps, flu, chickenpox
  • Bacteria: food poisoning, pneumonia, tetanus
  • Fungi: ringworm, athletes foot
• Antibiotics


  Chemicals that can kill bacteria and fungi but have no effect on viruses
• Vaccines


  Weakened or dead strain of the virus that stimulate an antibody response
• Ways to reduce risk of infection

  • Wash hands in warm soapy water
  • Get all immunisations/vaccinations as possible
  • Cook food properly