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Class8 Chapter2 Notes

Microorganisms are tiny living beings, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae, and viruses, that play crucial roles in decomposition, food production, and maintaining ecological balance. Key discoveries in microbiology were made by Robert Hooke and Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, who observed cells and bacteria, respectively. The document outlines the structure of cells, the importance of microorganisms in various processes, and their classification as unicellular or multicellular organisms.

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8 views1 page

Class8 Chapter2 Notes

Microorganisms are tiny living beings, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae, and viruses, that play crucial roles in decomposition, food production, and maintaining ecological balance. Key discoveries in microbiology were made by Robert Hooke and Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, who observed cells and bacteria, respectively. The document outlines the structure of cells, the importance of microorganisms in various processes, and their classification as unicellular or multicellular organisms.

Uploaded by

vijay.sondhiya.7798
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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The Invisible Living World: Beyond Our Naked Eye Class 8 Science Chapter 2 Notes

Introduction
Microorganisms are tiny living beings that cannot be seen with the naked eye. They include bacteria, fungi, protozoa,
algae, and viruses. They are found everywhere — in soil, water, air, and even inside our bodies.

Important Points Microorganisms help in decomposition and biogas production. Yeast helps in making bread, cakes,
idli, dosa, and bhatura. Lactobacillus converts milk into curd. Rhizobium bacteria fix nitrogen in soil. Microalgae like
Spirulina and Chlorella are rich in nutrients. Viruses reproduce only inside host cells.

Discovery of Cells and Microorganisms Robert Hooke discovered cells while observing cork through a microscope in
1665. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek observed bacteria and is called the Father of Microbiology.

What is a Cell? The cell is the basic unit of life. Every living organism is made up of cells.

Main Parts of a Cell Cell Membrane: Controls entry and exit of substances. Cytoplasm: Jelly-like substance where
reactions occur. Nucleus: Controls activities of the cell. Cell Wall: Gives rigidity to plant and bacterial cells.
Chloroplast: Helps in photosynthesis. Vacuole: Stores substances and maintains shape.

Variation in Cells Cells differ in shape and size according to their functions. Muscle cells are spindle-shaped while
nerve cells are long and branched.

Levels of Organisation Cell → Tissue → Organ → Organ System → Organism

What Are Microorganisms? Microorganisms are tiny organisms visible only under a microscope.

Unicellular: Bacteria, Amoeba Multicellular: Some fungi and algae

Importance of Microorganisms Help in decomposition of waste. Improve soil fertility. Used in food preparation.
Produce biogas. Help in digestion inside our body.

Microorganisms and Food Yeast performs fermentation and releases carbon dioxide which makes dough soft and
fluffy.

Curd Formation
Lactobacillus converts milk sugar into lactic acid and forms curd.

Rhizobium and Nitrogen Fixation Rhizobium bacteria live in root nodules of legumes and convert atmospheric
nitrogen into usable forms for plants.

Amazing Microalgae Microalgae release oxygen and are used as food supplements, medicines, and biofuel
production.

Important Definitions Fermentation: Breakdown of sugar by microbes in absence of oxygen. Biogas: Fuel produced
from decomposition of organic matter. Decomposition: Breakdown of dead matter into simpler substances.
Nucleoid: DNA-containing region in bacteria. Macrofungus: Large fungus visible to naked eye.

Conclusion Microorganisms are an essential part of life. They help in food production, decomposition, maintaining
ecological balance, and improving soil fertility.

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