Microbiology: The Realm of Microorganisms

Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, which include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protists.

Plants are not microorganisms because they are multicellular organisms.

Bacteria are the largest group of microorganisms, with over 10,000 known species.

Bacteria are not autotrophic because they cannot produce their own food from inorganic molecules.

The cell wall in bacteria provides protection, support, and transport.

Prions are not viruses because they do not contain nucleic acid.

The capsid in a virus provides protection, attachment, and penetration.

Bacteria are not fungi because they are prokaryotic organisms.

The mycelium in a fungus provides absorption, anchorage, and reproduction.

Bacteria are not protists because they are prokaryotic organisms.

The pseudopodia in an amoeba provide movement, feeding, and reproduction.

Disease is not a role of microorganisms in the environment, but rather a negative consequence of their presence.

Decomposition is the process by which microorganisms break down organic matter into simpler substances.

Parasitic infections are caused by parasites, which are not microorganisms.

Pathogenicity, virulence, and infection are all terms used to describe the process by which microorganisms cause disease.