Microbes

•What types are there?

•What do they need to survive?

•How can we see them?

What types of Microbes are there?•Bacteria•Viruses•Fungi•Algae•Lichens•Slime moulds

Bacteria• Usually named after

their shape – rods, cones etc.

• Some cause diseases – Tuberculosis, while others are friendly – those growing on your skin.

• Found everywhere!!

Viruses• Smallest

microbes.• Some cause

diseases – Flu, while others only infect bacteria and leave us alone.

• Found everywhere!!

Fungi• Largest microbes –

sometimes what you can see is only used for spreading spores.

• Some cause diseases – Athletes Foot, while others are friendly and help us - decomposers.

• Found everywhere!!

Microbes – Disadvantages & Advantages

• Spoil food i.e., when the milk turns sour.

• Can cause diseases.

• We can eat some of them i.e., mushrooms.

• Make our food i.e., cheese.

• Decompose our waste – compost.

• Clean up pollution.

What do they need to live and thrive?

• Warmth (actual temperatures vary)

• Humidity/water• A supply of nutrients• Some need oxygen, but others

don’t• Light, some do some don’t

How can we see them?

Depending on the size of the.microbe.

– Bacteria, fungi can be seen with a light microscope.

– Viruses usually need an electron microscope to see them.

– Slime moulds and lichens can be seen without any help.

Koniec