Microorganisms
Microorganisms
Microorganisms
Chlorella Diatoms
Multicellular Organisms
A multicellular organism is an organism that consists of more than one cell.
The bodies of large plants and animals consist of millions of different types of cells.
There are different types of cells in various shapes and sizes in a multicellular
organism.
Examples of multicellular organisms are seaweeds, mushrooms, fungi, plants, and
animals in general.
Difference Between Unicellular & Multicellular
Organisms
Unicellular Organisms Multicellular Organisms
Multicellular organisms are composed of more than one
Unicellular organisms are composed of a single cell
cell
Simple body organization Complex body organization
A single cell carries out all necessary life processes Multiple cells perform different functions
The total cell body is exposed to the environment Only the outer cells are exposed to the environment
Division of labor is at the cellular, tissue, organs, and
Division of labor is at the organelle level
organ system level
Multicellular organisms have a comparatively longer
A lifespan of a unicellular organism is usually short
lifespan
Injury to a cell does not cause the death of the
Injury to the cell leads to the death of the organism
multicellular organism
They are microscopic in nature Most are macroscopic in nature
Bacteria, amoeba, paramecium, and yeast are examples Humans, animals, plants, birds, and insects, are
of unicellular organisms examples of multicellular organisms
Functions of a Cell
Smooth ER
− Endoplasmic reticulum without ribosomes is known as smooth ER.
− It is responsible for producing substances such as lipids and cholesterol. These
substances are components of membranes.
− The smooth ER is also where potentially harmful substances are detoxified.
Rough ER
− Proteins are produced by the ribosomes present in the rough ER. They are
then either transported to sites within the cell for use or secreted out of the
cell.
Ribosomes
Ribosomes are very small round structured organelle.
They are either attached to the membrane of the
endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or lie freely in the cytoplasm.
They are needed to synthesize proteins in the cell
Golgi Apparatus
Further away from the nucleus is a stack of
membrane-enclosed sacs called the Golgi
body or apparatus.
Small vesicles containing substances from
the endoplasmic reticulum fuse with one
side of this complex.
The Golgi Apparatus;
− Chemically modifies substances made by
the endoplasmic reticulum.
− Stores and packages these substances in
vesicles for sent to other parts of the cell
or sent out from the cell.
Mitochondria
All activities of the living cell
require energy.
The role of energy production is
carried out by the mitochondrion,
a double-membraned organelle.
The inner membrane of this
organelle is thrown into deep
folds called cristae.
Vacuoles
Vacuoles are storage bubbles of
irregular shapes which are found
in cells.
The vacuole stores the food, a
variety of nutrients that a cell
might need to survive or waste.
In plant cells, vacuoles are much
larger than in animal cells and
they provide rigidity to the plant
cells.
Cell Wall
A plant cell has a cell wall that encloses the entire plant cell,
surrounding the cell surface membrane.
This cell wall is made of cellulose.
It protects the cell from injury and gives the plant cell a fixed shape.
The cell wall is fully permeable.
The cell wall is absent in animal cell
Hence the cell wall serves to:
− Protect the cell from harmful external influences;
− Help the cell keep its shape; and
− Prevent the cell from absorbing too much water and keeps
it from bursting.
Chloroplast
Chloroplasts are oval structures
found in plant cells.
Chloroplasts contain a green
pigment called chlorophyl.
Chlorophyl is essential for
photosynthesis, the process by
which plants make food.
Centrioles
Centrioles are paired barrel-
shaped organelles located in the
cytoplasm of animal cells near the
nuclear envelope.
All animal cells have two
centrioles.
Their main function is to separate
the chromosomes during cell
division.
Difference Between Plant cell and Animal cell
Basic types of cells
Introduction to
Microorganisms
Microorganisms are tiny living organisms that cannot
be seen with the naked eye.
They are also known as microbes and include
bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, and algae.
Importance of Microorganisms
Microorganisms play a crucial role in various ecosystems and have a
significant impact on our lives.
Beneficial Effects:
Decomposers: Microbes break down dead plants and animals, recycling
nutrients back into the environment.
Food Production: Certain microbes are used to make yogurt, cheese,
bread, and other food products.
Medicine: They are essential in producing antibiotics and vaccines to
combat diseases.
Nitrogen Fixation: Some bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a
usable form for plants.
Biotechnology: Microbes are used in genetic engineering and other
Harmful Effects:
Diseases: Some microorganisms cause infections and diseases in plants,
animals, and humans.
Food Spoilage: Certain microbes spoil food by breaking it down and
producing toxins.
Contamination: Microbes can contaminate water sources if untreated,
leading to health issues.
Plant and Crop Damage: Some microorganisms harm crops and agricultural
products
Classification of Microorganisms:
Microorganisms can be broadly classified into five main groups
1. Bacteria
Single-celled organisms
Various shapes (spherical, rod-like, spiral)
Found everywhere
Some bacteria are beneficial, helping with digestion and producing
essential nutrients, while others can cause diseases.
2. Fungi
Single-celled or multicellular
organisms
Includes mushrooms and
molds
Break down dead organic
matter
Used in food production (e.g.,
yeast for baking) but can
cause infections
3. Protozoa
Single-celled organisms found in water and soil
Important in food chains
Some cause diseases like malaria
Here's why protozoa are important in food chains:
Consumers in Aquatic Food Webs: Protozoa primarily feed on bacteria,
algae, and other small particles present in water. They act as primary
consumers, directly consuming producers (like algae) or detritus, and are,
in turn, preyed upon by larger organisms.
Transfer of Energy: As protozoa consume primary producers like algae,
they transfer energy from the lower trophic level (producers) to the higher
trophic levels. This energy transfer is crucial for sustaining the entire food
chain.
Balancing Nutrient Cycles: Protozoa contribute to nutrient cycling in
aquatic ecosystems. By consuming organic matter, they release nutrients
back into the water through their waste, making them available for other
organisms.
Biodiversity Support: Protozoa are incredibly diverse, with numerous
species inhabiting various ecosystems. This diversity supports overall
biodiversity, promoting ecological balance.
Regulating Microbial Populations: Protozoa help control the population of
bacteria and algae. Their predation on these microorganisms prevents
excessive growth and maintains the overall ecological stability of the
ecosystem.
Source of Food for Higher Trophic Levels: As primary consumers, protozoa
provide a critical food source for secondary consumers (e.g., small fish and
other aquatic organisms) in the food chain.
Indicator of Ecosystem Health: The presence and abundance of protozoa in
aquatic environments serve as indicators of ecosystem health. Changes in
protozoan populations can reflect changes in water quality and
environmental conditions.
4. Algae
Simple, plant-like organisms
Found in various aquatic environments
Use sunlight for photosynthesis
Important for oxygen production and aquatic
ecosystems
5. Viruses
Not cells but genetic material (DNA or RNA) wrapped in a protein coat
Cannot reproduce independently
Need to infect host cells to multiply
Cause various diseases