Microscopic Life: Bacteria

Upon viewing the Microscopic Life video series, students will be able to do the following: Understand that only during the past few hundred years have people been able to see and study very small life forms, generally referred to as microscopic life. Explain how compound light microscopes magnify objects by passing light through an object on a glass slide and then through two or more lenses. Understand there are other microscopes, such as electron microscopes, that can magnify objects up to one million times their original size. Describe some of the general characteristics of viruses. List some of the ways viruses can affect human beings. Explain that viruses are single-celled organisms that do not have a nucleus. Cite some of the many positive contributions of bacteria, including their important role in the decomposition of once-living things, production of certain types of medicines, and production of various foods. Differentiate between protists and bacteria. Explain how protists can be plant-like, animal-like, or fungus-like. Provide an example of a specific organism belonging to these groups. Describe the general characteristics of phytoplankton, a type of plant-like protist. Explain that animal-like protists, also called protozoa, are single-celled and come in many forms. Briefly describe the general characteristics and some of the uses of fungus-like protists.