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. Drop the next question! 📸