viruses

How has the diversity of life developed over time?

Life has diversified over 4 billion years of evolution from a single ancestral cell.

What types of microorganisms evolved early in Earth’s history?

Viruses, bacteria, protists (algae and protozoa), and fungi evolved before plants and animals.

Why are microorganisms considered highly successful in their environments?

They exist in vast numbers and thrive in extreme environments.

What is the key difference between acellular and cellular microorganisms?

Acellular organisms lack a cell structure, while cellular microorganisms have cells.

What are the two main types of cellular microorganisms?

They are either prokaryotic (bacteria) or eukaryotic (protists and fungi).

What determines whether a microorganism is harmful or not?

Microorganisms can be pathogenic (disease-causing) or non-pathogenic (harmless).

Why are viruses considered a major part of life on Earth?

They infect animals, plants, and bacteria, influencing ecosystems and human health.

How small are viruses compared to other microorganisms?

Viruses are so small they can only be seen with an electron microscope.

Why is a sneeze an effective way for viruses to spread?

A single sneeze can release enough cold viruses to infect many people.

What is the difference between an active virus and a virion?

An active virus is inside a host cell, while a virion is dormant outside the cell.