World of Micro Organisms

It’ll be exciting to learn about microbes because we humans have microbes in our bodies, too. Living organisms invisible to the naked eye are called microorganisms. Some microbes can be seen on bread with the help of a magnifying glass, while others are visible only under a microscope. Microorganisms are everywhere, in the air, water and soil. Bread mould belongs to the fungi group. Microbes can be classified into four groups – bacteria, fungi, algae and protozoa.Cold and influenza (flu) are caused by viruses. Serious diseases like polio and chicken-pox are also caused by viruses.Viruses need to be inside a living organism to reproduce. Hence, viruses form the boundary between the living and the non-living world. An amoeba is a free living organism. Microbes can survive under all types of environment, ranging from ice cold climate to hot springs and deserts to marshy lands.

Microorganisms made of single cells are called unicellular organisms. Most fungi and some algae are made up of many cells, and are called multicellular organisms. Milk is turned into curd by the action of Lactobacillus. Microbes are used in the preparation of cake and bread. Yeast reproduces rapidly in dough and produces carbon dioxide. This dough, when baked, yields porous and spongy cakes. Microbes are also used to prepare pickles, cheese and alcohol. Bacteria clean up organic waste and decompose them into usable substances. Louis Pasteur discovered the process of fermentation. The process of converting sugar into alcohol is called fermentation. Yeast convert the natural sugars present in grains into alcohol. Wine is produced by the process of fermentation.