Harmful Micro-organisms

Ecosystems Unit, March 1, 2005

Ideal Growth Environment for Micro-organisms

Micro-organisms prefer environments that are:

• Warm• Moist (have water)• Dark• Have lots of air

Harmful Effects of Some Micro-organisms

1. Rot (food, plants…)

Harmful Effects of Some Micro-organisms

2. Illness (diarrhea, food poisoning)

Harmful Effects of Some Micro-organisms

3. Disease (Cholera, Tuberculosis)

Bacteria that cause cholera Bacteria that cause tuberculosis

Harmful Effects of Some Micro-organisms

4.Infect wounds

Harmful Effects of Some Micro-organisms

5. Fungal growth (athlete’s foot)

Harmful Effects of Some Micro-organisms

6. Bad odour (smelly feet)

Micrococci bacteria

Corynebacterium

How Do Micro-organisms Get Inside Us?

2. Water3. Insects4. Food:

­ Not cooked properly­ Not stored properly

1. Person to Person:-Blood (sharing

needles)-Saliva (kissing)-Air (coughing and

sneezing)

Protecting Ourselves Against Harmful Micro-organisms

Person to Person:

– Wash your hands often– Cover your nose and mouth when you

cough or sneeze– Avoid kissing people if you are sick

Protecting Ourselves Against Harmful Micro-organisms

Water:­ Filter the water­ Disinfect Water (e.g. chlorine, UV radiation)­ Avoid drinking from unknown water sources

Insects:­ Wear bug spray­ Wear protective clothing­ Avoid scented products

Protecting Ourselves Against Harmful Micro-organisms

Food:

– Wash and clean food– Cook food properly– Reheat at high temperature– **Store food properly– Dispose of old food

Food Spoilage Lab:

•Which sample had the most mold?

Why?

•Which sample had the least mold?

Why?

Bread Mold