Define basic structure /function of Microorganis including Prokaryotes, eukaryotes and viruses with emphasis on their relationships to human disease and treatment modalities.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Microorganisms are microscopic living organisms that include prokaryotes (bacteria and archaea), eukaryotes (protozoa, fungi, algae), and non-living infectious agents like viruses. Each group has a distinct structure and function, and all play important roles in human health and disease.
Prokaryotes:
Prokaryotes, such as bacteria, are unicellular organisms without a true nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. Their DNA is located in a single circular chromosome in the nucleoid region. They reproduce by binary fission and have a rigid cell wall made of peptidoglycan. Some have structures like pili and flagella for attachment and movement. Pathogenic bacteria can cause diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and food poisoning. Treatments typically include antibiotics, which target bacterial cell walls, protein synthesis, or DNA replication.
Eukaryotes:
Eukaryotic microorganisms include protozoa, fungi, and algae. These cells have a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Fungi can be unicellular (yeasts) or multicellular (molds) and may cause infections such as candidiasis or ringworm. Protozoa are often parasitic and may cause diseases like malaria or amoebic dysentery. Antifungal and antiparasitic drugs are used to treat infections caused by eukaryotic microorganisms. These drugs target differences in cell structure, such as the fungal cell wall or specific metabolic pathways.
Viruses:
Viruses are acellular and cannot reproduce on their own. They consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat called a capsid, and sometimes a lipid envelope. Viruses infect host cells and use the host machinery to replicate. They cause diseases like influenza, HIV, and COVID-19. Since they are not alive, antibiotics do not work against them. Antiviral medications and vaccines are the primary treatment and prevention methods. Vaccines stimulate the immune system to recognize and fight off future infections.
Understanding the structure and function of these microorganisms is critical for diagnosing infections and developing effective treatments.