Common Places Microorganisms Are Found and Their Importance
Science is a beautiful subject that deals with the study of practical learning with the trial and error method of experimentation. It helps students understand their surroundings in a better way and without fail. The three divisions of science for students are physics, chemistry and biology. In this regard, Biology is that stream of Science that deals with all kinds of living organisms and their functionality.
Before we delve deeper to find out the answer for, “where do microorganisms live?” Let's get familiar with the fundamentals of microorganisms first. Doing so, we will be better equipped to understand the concept better and relate it in real life scenarios more effectively.
With that being said, let’s proceed to find out more about microorganisms from below!
What are Microbes?
They are tiny organisms which can only be seen under a microscope. Microbes are either multicellular or unicellular.
In a broader sense, microorganisms can be categorised as friendly microorganisms and harmful organisms. Now, such a distinction is made based on the role they play in our lives and surroundings.
Some of the most common types of microorganisms include bacteria, fungi, algae and protozoa. Contrary to popular belief, viruses are different when compared to other microbes.
The point of difference lies in how they reproduce and multiply over time. To elaborate, viruses reproduce within the cells of the host organism, which can be a bacterium, plant or animal.
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Fun Fact: The existence of microorganisms was discovered between 1665 and 1683 by Antoni van Leeuwenhoek and Robert Hooke.
Where do Microorganisms Live?
Microorganisms can be found everywhere as they can survive in every type of environment. For instance, they are found in water, air, the body of plants and animals, etc.
Furthermore, they can sustain in extreme conditions that prevail in deserts, equators, freezing water bodies, etc. and can adapt accordingly. Notably, most microorganisms can survive independently; however, some are parasites.
Uses of Microorganism
It is noteworthy that microorganisms that are considered to be friendly, are used for several purposes. Some of the uses are as follows –
Preparation of bread, curd, cheese, pickles and cake.
Preparation of vaccines and medicines.
Production of acetic acid, wine and alcohol.
Nitrogen fixation in soil for increasing soil fertility.
Management of organic waste.
In short, friendly microorganisms come in handy to meet several commercial, medical and production requirements. On that note, let’s proceed to find out the harmful impacts of such organisms.
Harmful Impact of Microorganism
Microorganisms that tend to cause diseases are known as pathogens. The following pointers highlight the adverse impact of such organisms in brief –
Spoils food.
Degrades leather products, textiles, etc.
The thing about disease-causing microorganisms is that most of them cause diseases that are communicable and can spread rapidly. Mostly air, water, food and physical contact are the standard means to spread diseases caused by microorganisms.
On the other hand, certain diseases are spread through carriers like a housefly, mosquitoes, etc. Check out the table below to gain some insight into some disease-causing pathogens.
Disease | Pathogen | Mode of Transmission |
Malaria | Protozoa | Carrier |
Tuberculosis | bacteria | Air |
Chicken Pox | Virus | Air/ Physical contact |
Cholera | Bacteria | Food/ Water |
Hepatitis B | Virus | Water |
Typhoid | Bacteria | Water |
Measles | Virus | Air |
Polio | Virus | Air/Water |
Table: Diseases caused by microorganisms in human beings
Other than these, the foot and mouth disease rampant in cattle is also caused by a virus. Similarly, Anthrax is fatal for both human beings and cattle and is caused by bacteria.
Take a quick look at the table below for the common diseases in plants that are caused by pathogens.
Disease | Pathogen | Mode of Transmission |
Rust of wheat | Fungi | Seeds and carriers |
Citrus Canker | Bacteria | Air |
Yellow vein mosaic | Virus | Carriers |
Table: Diseases caused by microorganisms in plants
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FAQs on Where Do Microorganisms Live?
1. What exactly are microorganisms, and can you provide some common examples?
Microorganisms, or microbes, are living beings that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. They can be single-celled or exist in cell clusters. The most common examples you'll study are:
- Bacteria (like Lactobacillus, which turns milk into curd)
- Fungi (like yeast, used for baking bread)
- Protozoa (like Amoeba)
- Algae (like Chlamydomonas)
- Viruses (which are on the border of living and non-living)
2. Where can microorganisms be found? Are they really everywhere?
Yes, microorganisms are found in almost every habitat on Earth. They live in soil, air, and water (both fresh and salt). They can be found in extreme conditions like hot springs, deserts, and polar ice caps. They also live on and inside the bodies of other organisms, including plants and animals like us.
3. What is the main difference between bacteria and viruses as types of microbes?
The main difference is their structure and how they reproduce. Bacteria are complete, single-celled living organisms that can reproduce on their own. Viruses, on the other hand, are not technically cells. They are much smaller and need a living host cell to multiply, as they cannot reproduce by themselves.
4. What are the ideal conditions that help microorganisms to live and multiply quickly?
Most microorganisms thrive in specific conditions. The three most important factors are:
- Suitable Temperature: Most microbes prefer a warm, but not too hot, environment.
- Moisture: They need water to grow, which is why food spoils faster in damp conditions.
- Nutrients: Like all living things, they need a food source to get energy.
5. How is it possible for some microorganisms to survive in extreme environments like volcanoes or deep oceans?
Microorganisms that live in extreme conditions are called extremophiles. They have special adaptations to survive. For instance, some can form a hard outer shell called a cyst to protect themselves from harsh environments. Others have unique enzymes that function at very high or very low temperatures, allowing them to thrive where other life cannot.
6. Where do microorganisms typically live inside the human body?
Microorganisms live all over the human body. The most common places include the skin, the mouth, and especially the digestive system or gut. In fact, our intestines are home to billions of helpful bacteria that aid in digestion and protect us from harmful germs.
7. Why can't we see microorganisms, and what special instrument is needed to observe them?
We cannot see microorganisms with our naked eyes simply because they are incredibly small, or microscopic. To observe them, we need a special scientific instrument called a microscope, which magnifies them hundreds or even thousands of times, making them visible to us.
8. Are all microorganisms that live on or inside us harmful? Explain the difference.
No, not at all! While some microorganisms, known as pathogens, can cause diseases, the vast majority are either harmless or very helpful. For example, gut bacteria help us digest food and produce essential vitamins. These are called beneficial microbes, and they are crucial for keeping us healthy.
9. What are some important examples of how microorganisms are useful in daily life?
Microorganisms play a very important role in our daily lives. Some key examples include:
- Food Production: Bacteria are used to make cheese and curd, while yeast (a fungus) is essential for baking bread and brewing.
- Medicine: Many antibiotics, which fight bacterial infections, are produced from fungi and bacteria.
- Cleaning the Environment: Decomposers like bacteria and fungi break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil.
