Grade VIII Subject: Science

MICROORGANISMS - Notes

Q-1 What are microorganisms ?List the major groups of micro

organisms.Draw the pictures also.
Ans-1-The minute living organisms that cannot be seen with naked
eye,but can be seen under a microscopes are called micro organisms.
Microorganisms may be single-celled like bacteria, some algae and
fungi.They can survive under all types of environment ranging from
ice cold climate to hot springs and deserts to marshy lands. They are
also found inside the bodiesof animals including humans, some
microorganisms grow on other organism while others exist freely.
The major groups of microorganisms are :
*Algae eg. Blue green algae *Fungi eg.Pencillium *Bacteria eg
Lactobacillus *Protozoa eg.Amoeba *Virus eg Polio virus

Q-2-What are antibiotics? What precautions must be taken while

taking antibiotics? Why are antibiotics not effective against common
cold and flu?
Ans 2-Antibiotics are medicines, which stop or kill the growth of the
disease causing microorganisms. Antibiotics are manufactured by
growing specific microorganisms and are used to cure a variety of
diseases.
Antibiotics should be taken only on the advice of qualified doctors.
We must finish the courses prescribed by the doctor.
Antibiotics are not effective against common cold and flu they are
caused by viruses. antibiotics only fight bacteria, and not viruses.
Viruses are surrounded by a protective protein coating; they don't have cell
walls that can be attacked by antibiotics like bacteria does.

Q_2-Curd sets in 4-5 hours in the summer but takes much longer in
the winter. Why?
Ans-Lactobacillus bacteria help to make curd from milk. Bacteria
grow well and multiply rapidly in warm conditions. So, during winter
we need to provide warm atmosphere for the curd to set in.

Q-3-After consuming a dish of mutton, a person complained of

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and pain in the abdomen.
a)What type of disease is he suffering from ?
Food Poisoning
b) What causes this disease ?
 Micro organisms like bacteria (most common examples of bacteria
which cause food poisoning are bacteria Salmonella and clostridium
botulinum) and fungi present in the spoilt dish of mutton.

Q-4 What is a vaccine ? How do vaccines work? Why are children

given vaccination?
A-4-A vaccine is a special kind of preparation (or medicine)which
provides immunity (or protection) against a particular disease.
Vaccines are dead or weakened forms of microbes. They initiate the
production of antibodies in human body , increasing immunity
against that disease.
Children are given vaccination as they are more susceptible to
diseases, so they should be vaccinated at proper ages to provide them
immunity.

Q-5 Draw a neat, labeled diagram of nitrogen cycle in nature. Which

natural phenomenon occurring in the sky is responsible for nitrogen
fixation ?

Lightening, the natural phenomenon occurring in the sky is

responsible for nitrogen fixation.