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Bread acquires its texture from the action of microorganisms.

Microorganisms

Microorganisms are tiny living things. Some are helpful, like yeast in bread-making, while others can cause illness. Learning about them is part of KS2 Science.

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Fascinating Fact:

Yeast is a microorganism used in bread-making because it produces gas that makes the dough rise.

In KS2 Science, pupils explore microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They discover how some help us in food and medicine, while others can cause disease or spoil food.

Key Terms

Microorganism: A living thing so small it can only be seen with a microscope.
Bacteria: Tiny single-celled organisms that can be helpful or harmful.
Fungi: A group of organisms including moulds, mushrooms, and yeast.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What are microorganisms in KS2 Science?

Microorganisms are tiny living things like bacteria, viruses, and fungi that are too small to see without a microscope.

Are microorganisms always harmful?

No, many microorganisms are useful. For example, yeast is used in baking, and some bacteria help make yogurt or aid digestion.

How do we stop harmful microorganisms spreading?

We can wash hands, cook food properly, use disinfectants, and take vaccines to protect ourselves from harmful microorganisms.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

Colds, influenza (flu) and chickenpox are caused by what?

Fungi

Viruses

Bacteria

Amoebas

Scientists are not agreed on whether viruses are even alive. Remember MRS. NERG? Viruses don't demonstrate all seven life processes. Viruses aren't sensitive (they don't respond to their environment) and they don't reproduce on their own (they take over another species' cells, causing them to reproduce viruses)

2 .

Which of the following statements is true?

Microbes are not living organisms

Some microorganisms are beneficial

All microorganisms are dangerous to humans

There are not very many types of microorganism

Some microorganisms are so beneficial that life would not be possible without them. The bacteria living on the roots of plants allow the plants to get the nitrogen they need from the soil - and remember, all life on Earth is dependent on plants

3 .

In order to see a microbe (a single microorganism), what would you need to use?

A telescope

A magnifying glass

A microscope

A pair of glasses

You can see colonies of microorganisms with the naked eye, but you would not be able to see a single microbe without a microscope

4 .

Which of the following are not microorganisms?

Yeast

Mould

Bacteria

Ants

Ants are insects

5 .

Salmonella, E. Coli and Listeria: these causes of food poisoning are examples of what?

Fungi

Viruses

Bacteria

Amoebas

Not all bacteria are bad - our bodies use some kinds to help us digest food

6 .

Which doctor developed a vaccination for smallpox?

Alexander Fleming

Marie Curie

Louis Pasteur

Edward Jenner

It's been said that Jenner's work has saved more lives than that of anyone else

7 .

Many foods acquire their flavour or texture from the action of microorganisms. For which of the following foods is this not true?

Live yoghurt

Wine

Jelly

Bread

Bread and wine both use yeast which is a fungi. Yoghurt uses bacteria

8 .

What are antibiotics designed to fight?

Fungi

Viruses

Bacteria

All microorganisms

Antibiotics cannot kill viruses - this is why doctors do not prescribe them for colds (which are caused by viruses)

9 .

Penicillin, yeast and mould are examples of what?

Fungi

Viruses

Bacteria

Algae

Fungi include single-celled microbes such as yeasts and moulds (including penicillium, which provides us with penicillin) as well as multicellular organisms such as mushrooms, which are not microorganisms

10 .

Compost bins are full of rotting organic matter, such as vegetable peelings, mouldy fruit and grass clippings. Which microorganisms help this material to decompose (rot)?

Bacteria

Viruses

Algae

All of the above

Fungi also help with decomposition

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - What is a microorganism?

Author: Sheri Smith (PhD English Literature, English Teacher & Quiz Writer)