Microorganisms Blog 1

VERY IMPORTANT REMINDER...............
(MOST IMPORTANT)

*We at St Columba's School, are ready to take the next step - and move towards using Google Classroom as a tool to enhance the teaching learning environment.

*This shift involves the school giving each student a unique email address, which he will need to setup ( the teachers will assist him in doing the same). This email will facilitate each student to interact with his teachers.

* The student should use this email ID only for:
-interacting with  teachers on school /subject related matters
-keep the words and expressions as he would- if he  were interacting with us as a Columban student
-use the facilities connected to this email ID only for google meets organised with the permission of a teacher 
-he should have a copy of the permission given ( when and by which teacher and for what purpose)
-do not access any of the other facilities connected with this email address unless he first seeks the permission of a teacher
(He should have a copy of the permission given - when and by which teacher and for what purpose).

*Please note that Google and St Columba's have legal obligations by giving you access to this email address and hence,
you will need to sign an agreement when creating this email ID. 


*Be informed that the history of use of this ID shall have a digital footprint !
Good morning students and welcome to the chapter of        

Microorganisms and Viruses: Friend and Foe

Micros means small and bios means life. Microbes are found everywhere and are capable of existing in extreme conditions of temperature and dryness. They are also found in the bodies of other living organisms!!!!  T here are basically five major groups of microorganisms:

a. Bacteria    b. Fungi    c. Algae   d. Protozoa    e. Virus

                                 

This video will help you to understand the different types of microorganisms that exist around us in a very simple and lucid manner. The trivia time at the end shares interesting facts. DO NOT BE IN A HURRY.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZjzQhFG6Ec

Which is the virus that is the only talk of the town……..Exactly The Novel Corona Virus Covid 19!!!! It has had all of us house bound. 

Can you tell me three things that know about this virus.

1                                                            

_

Did you know

·      A virus shows characteristics of both living as well as non-living things.

·       It replicates or multiplies only when it enters the cell of its host.

·      It then kills the host cell.

This video will explain to you in a simple manner about how does a virus spread an infection. Pay close attention to the difference between how does a bacteria multiply and how does a virus multiply.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS7vsBgWszI

I hope you have noted that:
A virus does not have cytoplasm or a nucleus
It has a protein sheath
It has either a strand of DNA or RNA
It cannot be destroyed by antibiotics

Do it yourself

From page 24, draw and label the Influenza virus and Bacteriophage in your science notebook.

Microorganisms play a very important role in our lives. Some of these useful microbes include those that help us to make:

 Curd

 Bread

 Alcohol

 Medicines

In this video the formation of curd on large scale has been discussed. It is interesting to see how curd/yoghurt is manufactured using useful bacteria and how the lactic acid produced determines the slightly tangy taste  of the curd.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZSoYrHyX9c

Do you remember how decomposers, which are also microorganisms, helped to break down biodegradable waste??

This is an interesting video that shows us how microorganisms are helpful in making bread, cheese and wine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eksagPy5tmQ

Assignment for today

Read pages 22 to 26 and write down the answers to the following questions:

A.    Name the following:

1.    An instrument used to see microorganisms.

2.    The hard protective covering surrounding a microorganism.

3.    Two protozoans.

4.    Two diseases caused by viruses in man.

B.    In class 7, you had learnt about the bacteria that helps to improve soil fertility. Try to recall and name this bacteria.     (clue: R_ _Z_ _I _ M).

a.     Where does it live?

b.    How does it help the plant?

C.    Yeast is a beneficial fungi. What is it used for?

[The first two videos were deliberately chosen for the simplistic manner in which types of microorganisms and information of viruses was explained.]