Introduction

Question 1

What are microbes?

Answer 1

Small organisms visible under a microscope

Question 2

What are the types of microbes including those that are eukaryotic? Briefly discuss each one

Answer 2

1. Bacteria which lack nuclei and membrane bound organelles, they can be found everywhere on earth.
2. Archaea which inhabit soils, oceans and marshlands, many are extremophiles.
3. Fungi which are eukaryotic
4. Protists which are slime molds, microscopic algae and Protozoa

Question 3

Why do we care about microbes ?

Answer 3

Only microbes can fix nitrogen and degrade cellulose. They recycle nutrients in the ecosystem and live in and on us enabling our survival.

Question 4

Discuss microbes that can make us sick

Answer 4

1. Bacterial diseases from staphylococcus and pseudomonas
2. Protozoan parasite diseases from entamoeba, giardia and plasmodium
3. Fungal diseases: histoplasmosis and candida
4. Viruses: HIV, polio, influenza

Question 5

What is a mutual symbiotic relationship?

Answer 5

A relationship in which both benefit

eg. Intestinal bacteria