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Microscopic Life: Size, Visibility, and Classification of Small Organisms
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- Small Organisms Using Microscopic Life: Microorganisms are living things that are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
- They can only be viewed under a microscope.
- Not Seen from Naked Eye: Some, like bread fungus, can be viewed using microscopic life with a magnifying glass, while others need a microscope for observation.
- Classification: Microorganisms are classified into four major groups.
- These groups are bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and some algae.
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Microscopic Life Habitats: Exploring the Diverse Environments Inhabited by Microorganisms
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- Extremely cold regions like ice.
- Hot environments, such as hot springs.
- Dry areas like deserts.
- Wet regions, such as marshlands.
- They are also present inside animal bodies, including humans.
- Some microorganisms live on host organisms.
- Others live independently, without relying on a host.
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Microscopic Life Reproduction: Understanding the Role of DNA in Body Design, Inheritance, and Variation
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- Importance of DNA in Reproduction: Organisms look similar due to similar body designs.
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- For similar body designs, the blueprints (or genetic information) must also be similar.
- Inheritance: Chromosomes in the nucleus contain inheritance information in the form of DNA.
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- DNA serves as the information source for protein synthesis.
- Variation: Changes in DNA information lead to the creation of different proteins, which can result in altered body designs.
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- Therefore, a fundamental event in reproduction using microscopic life is the creation of a DNA copy.
Note: Diseases like dysentery and malaria are caused by protozoa (protozoans) whereas typhoid and tuberculosis (TB) are bacterial diseases.
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Microscopic Life Blueprint: Understanding the DNA Copying Mechanism and Cell Division Process
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- Cells reproduce by creating a copy of their DNA through chemical reactions.
- This results in two DNA copies in a reproducing cell.
- Both DNA copies need to be separated.
- Simply pushing one DNA copy out is not feasible as it lacks the cellular structure to sustain life.
- Hence, DNA copying is followed by the creation of an additional cellular structure.
- The cell then divides, resulting in two new cells.
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Accuracy and Variation in DNA Replication:
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- Cells arising from reproduction are similar but not necessarily identical.
- The accuracy of the DNA copying process determines the similarity between the original and new cells.
- Bio-chemical reactions, including DNA copying, are not 100% accurate.
- Variations can occur during DNA copying, leading to subtle differences between the original and new DNA.
- Some variations can be so drastic that the new cell might not survive.
- However, many variations are subtle and do not impact the cell’s survival.
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The Importance of Variation and Reproduction and its Significance
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- Meaning: Variation refers to the differences in characteristics among individuals within a population.
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- Organisms occupy specific niches in ecosystems due to their reproductive abilities.
- Consistent Feature: Consistency in DNA copying during reproduction ensures the maintenance of body design features, which allow organisms to thrive in their specific niches.
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- Reproduction contributes to the stability of species populations.
- External Impact on Microscopic Life: Niches can undergo changes due to various external factors like fluctuations in temperatures, variations in water levels, and meteorite impacts, among others.
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- If a niche changes drastically and organisms are only suited for the original niche, the entire population could be at risk.
- Importance of Variation for Survival: Variation within a population increases the chances of survival when facing environmental changes.
- For instance, in a population of bacteria living in temperate waters, if the temperature increases due to global warming, most bacteria might die.
- However, bacteria variants resistant to heat would survive and proliferate.
- Thus, variation acts as a protective mechanism, ensuring the survival of species over time.
- The ways organisms reproduce are determined by their body designs.
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