Introduction to Mircrobes

Microorganisms, also known as microbes, are living beings that cannot be seen with the naked eye. The word micro means tiny, while organisms means living beings.

Where microorganisms exist

Many living creatures, such as lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, cuckoos, sparrows, peacocks, and humans, are easily seen in everyday life. Microorganisms, on the other hand, are creatures that exist all around us but remain completely invisible to our sight. They are found in the soil, in water, and on surfaces in the places where people sit. Because they are present everywhere in the environment, even a single drop of water placed on a slide contains numerous tiny microbes.

Size and using a microscope

• Microorganisms are extremely tiny creatures that range in size from about 20 to 400 nanometers.
• Their very small scale makes it impossible for human beings to see them with the naked eye.
• A microscope is the only tool that allows people to see and study these tiny living things.
• Placing a slide with a drop of water under a microscope reveals lots and lots of these hidden creatures.

The five main types

Microorganisms are divided into five main types: bacteria, virus, fungi, algae, and protozoa. Each of these five groups is completely different from the others in terms of size, shape, what they eat, and where they live. For instance, humans live in houses and cook their food, while lions live in the forest and eat raw food without cooking. In the same way, the different types of microorganisms have distinct lifestyles and characteristics.

Microbiology and their effects

• Microbiology is the scientific study of microorganisms that cannot be seen with our eyes.
• Microorganisms affect the world and living beings around them in multiple different ways.
• Many microorganisms are helpful to human beings in a wide variety of ways.
• At the same time, certain microorganisms are harmful and can cause trouble for us.