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Class 7 Science

Microorganisms are tiny living organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and microscopic algae, that can only be seen with a microscope. They grow rapidly under suitable conditions and play crucial roles in ecosystems, such as decomposition and energy transfer in food chains and webs. Some microorganisms are beneficial, while others can cause diseases.

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9 views4 pages

Class 7 Science

Microorganisms are tiny living organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and microscopic algae, that can only be seen with a microscope. They grow rapidly under suitable conditions and play crucial roles in ecosystems, such as decomposition and energy transfer in food chains and webs. Some microorganisms are beneficial, while others can cause diseases.

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saira
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© All Rights Reserved
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1. What is a Microorganism?

A microorganism (or microbe) is a very small living organism that cannot be seen with
the naked eye and can only be seen using a microscope.
Types of microorganisms include:

Bacteria – Single-celled organisms found everywhere (soil, water, air, inside our
bodies).
Viruses – Tiny infectious agents that need a host cell to reproduce.
Fungi – Includes molds and yeasts.
Protozoa – Single-celled organisms that usually live in water.
Microscopic algae – Tiny plant-like organisms that make their own food.

Some microorganisms are helpful (like those used in making yogurt or medicine), while
others can cause diseases.

2. Growing Microorganisms
Microorganisms grow and reproduce quickly under suitable conditions. They need:

Food (nutrients)
Water (moisture)
Suitable temperature (warmth)
Oxygen (for some microbes)
Proper pH level
In laboratories, microorganisms are grown on special substances called culture media
(like agar in Petri dishes).
Example:
Bacteria grow faster in warm, moist environments.
Refrigeration slows down microbial growth.

3. Microscopic Algae and Protozoa


Microscopic Algae

Tiny plant-like organisms.

Contain chlorophyll.

Make their own food through photosynthesis.

Found in water bodies like ponds, lakes, and oceans.

Important producers in aquatic ecosystems.

Example: Chlorella
Protozoa

Single-celled, animal-like organisms.

Cannot make their own food.


Move using cilia, flagella, or pseudopodia.

Live in water or moist environments.

Example: Amoeba

4. Food Chain and Food Web


Food Chain
A food chain shows how energy passes from one organism to another.
Example:
Grass → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake → Eagle
It starts with producers (plants or algae), then primary consumers, secondary
consumers, and so on.
Food Web
A food web is a network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem. It shows
multiple feeding relationships.
Food webs are more realistic than food chains because most organisms eat more than
one type of food.

5. Microorganisms and Decay


Microorganisms play a major role in decay (decomposition).

Bacteria and fungi break down dead plants and animals.

They convert complex organic matter into simpler substances.


Nutrients are returned to the soil.

This process is essential for recycling nutrients in ecosystems.

Without microorganisms, dead matter would pile up, and nutrients would not return to
the environment.

If you would like, I can also provide diagrams or short notes suitable for exams.

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