Types of microorganisms | Their Examples with Pictures

Microorganisms are living beings that are not visible to the naked eye.

They can be viewed only with the help of a microscope.

In spite of their minute size, they carry out their body functions and physiology independently like higher animals.

These organisms are mostly single-cellular, and very few are multi-cellular.

The differences among microbes can be learned based on their structure, physiology, habitats, and food habits.

Types of Microorganisms

  1. Bacteria
  2. Archaea
  3. Algae
  4. Fungi
  5. Protozoa
  6. Yeast
  7. Diatoms
  8.  Virus

Bacteria

  • These are said to be the first organisms to have appeared and are single-cellular.
  • The cell has a cell wall and may also have a flagella.
  • They are called “prokaryotic cells” because they lack a clear-cut nucleus.
  • Bacteria are omnipresent, i.e., they can be found on the earth’s surface, underneath, in the air, in the living bodies, etc.
types of microorganisms
Microscopic view of Listeria monocytogenes. (by Getty)
  • They obtain their food by different means like parasitic nature, saprophytic, symbiotic methods, etc. 
  • They eat up almost anything, leading to the decay of any waste.
  • Bacteria cause many diseases like tuberculosis, leprosy, cholera, etc.

Archaea

  • These are similar to bacteria but live in more harsh conditions and extreme temperatures.
  • They differ from bacteria in a few biochemical molecules.

Algae

  • These are multi-cellular yet microscopic in nature.
algae
Freshwater algal bloom, LM-Getty images
  • They can be seen when they grow in large colonies as patches.
  • They live in marine and also freshwater environments.

Ex: Spirogyra.

Fungi

  • These are multi-cellular; some are microscopic, while others are macroscopic.
  • They grow on bread and other foodstuffs at home or in eateries.
  • They can be invisible when present as single strands.
  • But as they grow into many strands, they can be visible as fluffy material.

Ex: Rhizopus.

  • Fungi cause topical infections like ringworm and deranged nails on toes.

Protozoa

ameoba a protozoa
Amoeba, a protozoa single-celled animal
  • These are a large class of animals that are visible only under a microscope.
  • They have the ability to move and find their food.
  • They can cause diseases in man and other large animals. They are mostly found in fresh water and in slimy, moist soil.

Ex: Amoeba.

  • Diseases caused by protozoa include malaria, gingivitis, etc.

Yeast

  • These are classes of fungi but are single-celled.
  • They are some of the widely used organisms for human purposes, such as the production of alcohol, baking as nutritional supplements, etc.

Diatoms

  • They are mostly present in fresh water and marine water.

Virus

  • These are not living organisms, so they cannot be called microbes.
  • They are absolute parasites and cannot live without a host.
  • They have a protein coat and nucleic acid-like DNA or RNA.

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