There are so many different types of microbes that scientists still don’t really know how many there are, but they do know that microbes do lots of different things! There are good microbes that are used in food, others that are used in medicine and more that are used to clean up your environment. Some microbes make you sick but most others keep you healthy and help you to fight disease. Microbes are divided into four main groups – bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Bacteria are really important microbes – life on earth couldn’t exist without them! Bacteria have only one cell, shaped like a sphere, rod or spiral. A single one, called a bacterium, is really tiny; millions would fit on the head of a pin! Bacteria have been around for millions of years and they can live in any area of the earth, no matter how hot or cold. Very few bacteria are harmful to you, most help to keep you healthy. A fungus is a special type of microbe – it doesn’t make its own food from the sun like plants, instead it gets its food from dead and decaying plants and animals. You find fungi in damp, warm places but also in the air, soil, water, on plants and in you! Most fungi aren’t dangerous; in fact most people eat fungi like mushrooms and yeast every day. I love to hang out with the fungi's!
Yes, at first microbes are gross. Once you get to know them they are fascinating! You won't believe how many microbes keep you healthy and well. (Please excuse my grammar mistakes, I'm typing this with one finger, on my left hand!)
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Mrs. TaylorI love science! Everything about the world is interesting and never boring. I love to study plants, animals, insects, and people. My favorite subjects are my students who are the most unique organisms on the planet! Categories |