What are Microorganisms? Give Four Examples?

BY Team Aakash Byjus

Microorganisms: Microorganisms are minute in size and can only be seen through a microscope.

The study of microorganisms is known as microbiology.

Click Here To Attend Free Trail Class

Microorganisms were discovered by Robert Hooke and Antoni Von Leeuwenhoek. Antoni Von Leeuwenhoek is known as the father of microbiology.

– Microorganisms are   found all around us. – Microorganisms are too   tiny to be seen through   the naked eye.

Microorganisms are present in water, soil, air, inside plants, animals and human beings.

Types of Microorganisms: Microorganisms are categorized into five major kinds. These include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae and viruses.

Bacteria: Bacteria are unicellular prokaryotic organisms that have cell walls. Example: Lactobacillus, Rhizobium, Pseudomonas , etc.

Fungi: Fungi are a group of spore-producing microorganisms that feed on dead and decaying matter. Examples: Yeast, Rhizopus and Penicillium.

Protozoa: Protozoa are unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms with complex structures. Examples:  Amoeba, Paramecium, Vorticella.

Algae: Algae are a group of photosynthetic organisms without roots, stems and leaves. Examples: Chlamydomonas, Chara, Oedoginium.

Viruses: Viruses are a group of microorganisms that can reproduce only inside the host. Examples: HIV, Tobacco mosaic virus.