Chapter 17: Microorganisms and their Applications in Biotechnology

What are viruses?

Are microorganisms "living on host cells"(non-living without host cells). They "do not feed, respire, excrete, grow or reproduce without a host" - but; inside a host cell, virus can reproduce or replicate.

Give examples of common viral infections.

Examples of common viral infections are; "cold, influenza, chickenpox, dengue, haemorrhagic fever, herpes and AIDS"

What is bacteria?

Bacteria are "non-motile" "living cells" possessing hair like threads flagella.

Give three general types of bacteria.

Three general types of bacteria are:

• "Cocci" - spherical shaped
• "Bacilli" - rod shaped
• "Spirilla" - spiral shaped

Bacteria can also be classified into?

Bacteria can be classified as:

• "Saprophytic" - feeding on decaying organic material.
• "Parasitic" - causing diseases in plants and animals.
• "Autotrophic" - able to manufacture food using energy from the sun or inorganic material.

What is fungi?

Fungi are "unicellular microorganisms", living in "tissues of host cell".

How are microorganisms helpful in decomposition?

Microorganisms can be helpful in:

• Decomposers "feed on dead" and "decaying organisms" and their faeces.
• They "secrete enzymes" which "break down complex organic compounds" to simple organic compounds.
• They "absorb small amount of energy and nutrients"; most of the "energy is lost as heat and the remaining nutrients are released into
  surrounding".
• Help "maintain life on earth".

How is biotechnology (fermentation) helpful to us?

It helps us manufacture; "yoghurt, and cheese" and it helps in "producing alcohol".

What are antibiotics?

They are "compex substances produced by bacteria", used in "treatment of bacterial infections".