Mention five (5) beneficial effects of micro-organism to humans. State five (5) harmful effects of micro-organism to plants

Here are the solutions to the Biology questions:

Question 1:

• a) What are micro-organisms? Micro-organisms are microscopic organisms that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. They are found almost everywhere, including in soil, water, air, and within other organisms.
• b) Name the groups of micro-organisms. The main groups of micro-organisms include:
  • Bacteria
  • Fungi (e.g., yeasts, molds)
  • Protozoa
  • Algae
  • Viruses

Question 2:
Differentiate between a carrier and a vector of a disease.
A carrier is an individual (human or animal) who harbors an infectious agent without showing symptoms of the disease but can transmit the infection to others. A vector, on the other hand, is an organism (often an arthropod like a mosquito or tick) that transmits an infectious agent from an infected host to a susceptible host.

Question 3:
Name three (3) carrier or vectors and the micro-organisms they carry, including the associated diseases.

1. Vector: Anopheles mosquito
   • Micro-organism: Plasmodium (a protozoan)
   • Associated disease: Malaria
2. Vector: Tsetse fly
   • Micro-organism: Trypanosoma (a protozoan)
   • Associated disease: African sleeping sickness
3. Carrier: Humans (asymptomatic)
   • Micro-organism: Salmonella typhi (a bacterium)
   • Associated disease: Typhoid fever

Question 4:
State five (5) harmful effects of micro-organism to plants.

1. Crop diseases: Micro-organisms like fungi, bacteria, and viruses cause various plant diseases, leading to reduced yield and quality (e.g., potato blight, bacterial wilt).
2. Spoilage of harvested crops: Fungi and bacteria can cause decay and spoilage of fruits, vegetables, and grains after harvest, leading to significant economic losses.
3. Root rot: Certain fungi and bacteria in the soil can infect plant roots, causing them to rot and impairing the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients.
4. Leaf spots and blights: Pathogenic micro-organisms can cause lesions, spots, and blights on leaves, reducing photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.
5. Wilting: Some bacteria can block the vascular tissues of plants, preventing water transport and causing the plant to wilt and eventually die.