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24
โข
30 Dec 2025
โข
Understanding Microorganisms: Their Processes, Immune Response, and Vaccine Role
Aliki ๐ฉต
@study_wabbit
1 / 3
Types of Microorganisms
Ever wondered what makes plants different from animals, or why bread rises? It all comes down to how different organisms are built and behave. Eukaryotic organisms (plants, animals, fungi, and protoctists) have their genetic material stored in a nucleus, whilst prokaryotic organisms (bacteria) don't.
Plants are the only organisms with chloroplasts for photosynthesis and cell walls made of cellulose. They store energy as starch and can reproduce both sexually and asexually through runners, tubers, and bulbs. Animals lack cell walls and chloroplasts, store energy as glycogen, and rely on their nervous system for coordination.
Fungi have cell walls made of chitin (not cellulose) and get their nutrition by breaking down dead material - this is called saprotrophic nutrition. They reproduce through budding and form thread-like structures called hyphae. Bacteria are single-celled prokaryotes that reproduce incredibly quickly through binary fission - some can double their population every 20 minutes!
Key Point: Viruses aren't actually living organisms - they're just protein coats containing DNA or RNA that can only reproduce inside other living cells.
Biotechnology and Food Production
Your favourite foods rely heavily on microorganisms working behind the scenes. Yeast is particularly important because it can switch between different types of respiration depending on oxygen availability.
During anaerobic respiration (fermentation), yeast converts glucose into ethanol and carbon dioxide whilst producing energy (ATP). This process makes bread rise - the COโ creates bubbles in the dough, whilst the ethanol evaporates during baking. You can investigate fermentation rates by measuring how quickly COโ turns hydrogen carbonate indicator yellow.
Yoghurt production involves several careful steps. First, milk undergoes pasteurisation to kill harmful bacteria, then homogenisation breaks down fat droplets. Lactic acid bacteria like lactobacillus are added at 40-45ยฐC, where they ferment lactose and produce lactic acid, dropping the pH to 4.4 and causing the milk to solidify.
Key Point: Biotechnology uses living organisms to create useful products - from the bread you eat to the medicines that keep you healthy.
Immune Response and Industrial Applications
Your body has an amazing defence system that remembers every pathogen it encounters. When harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protoctists invade, your immune system springs into action with a coordinated response.
Lymphocytes are your body's special forces - they produce antibodies specific to each pathogen's antigens (surface proteins). These antibodies stick pathogens together and mark them for destruction, whilst antitoxins neutralise any toxins produced. Phagocytes then engulf and digest the invaders through phagocytosis, changing shape to surround pathogens in vacuoles.
Vaccines contain weakened or dead pathogens that trigger your immune system to produce antibodies and memory cells without making you ill. This creates immunity - if you encounter the real pathogen later, your secondary immune response is much faster than the primary response.
Industrial fermenters use controlled conditions to grow useful microorganisms on a massive scale. Stirring paddles keep everything mixed, whilst temperature and pH probes maintain optimal conditions for maximum productivity.
Key Point: Your immune system's memory cells are why you rarely get the same illness twice - they remember how to fight specific pathogens.
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Stefan S
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Microorganisms: Their Processes, Immune Response, and Vaccine Role
Aliki ๐ฉต
@study_wabbit
Understanding how microorganisms work is crucial for biology - these tiny organisms affect everything from making your morning toast to fighting off infections. This guide breaks down the key types of microorganisms, how they're used in food production, and how... Show more
Types of Microorganisms
Ever wondered what makes plants different from animals, or why bread rises? It all comes down to how different organisms are built and behave. Eukaryotic organisms (plants, animals, fungi, and protoctists) have their genetic material stored in a nucleus, whilst prokaryotic organisms (bacteria) don't.
Plants are the only organisms with chloroplasts for photosynthesis and cell walls made of cellulose. They store energy as starch and can reproduce both sexually and asexually through runners, tubers, and bulbs. Animals lack cell walls and chloroplasts, store energy as glycogen, and rely on their nervous system for coordination.
Fungi have cell walls made of chitin (not cellulose) and get their nutrition by breaking down dead material - this is called saprotrophic nutrition. They reproduce through budding and form thread-like structures called hyphae. Bacteria are single-celled prokaryotes that reproduce incredibly quickly through binary fission - some can double their population every 20 minutes!
Key Point: Viruses aren't actually living organisms - they're just protein coats containing DNA or RNA that can only reproduce inside other living cells.
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Improve your grades
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Biotechnology and Food Production
Your favourite foods rely heavily on microorganisms working behind the scenes. Yeast is particularly important because it can switch between different types of respiration depending on oxygen availability.
During anaerobic respiration (fermentation), yeast converts glucose into ethanol and carbon dioxide whilst producing energy (ATP). This process makes bread rise - the COโ creates bubbles in the dough, whilst the ethanol evaporates during baking. You can investigate fermentation rates by measuring how quickly COโ turns hydrogen carbonate indicator yellow.
Yoghurt production involves several careful steps. First, milk undergoes pasteurisation to kill harmful bacteria, then homogenisation breaks down fat droplets. Lactic acid bacteria like lactobacillus are added at 40-45ยฐC, where they ferment lactose and produce lactic acid, dropping the pH to 4.4 and causing the milk to solidify.
Key Point: Biotechnology uses living organisms to create useful products - from the bread you eat to the medicines that keep you healthy.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Immune Response and Industrial Applications
Your body has an amazing defence system that remembers every pathogen it encounters. When harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protoctists invade, your immune system springs into action with a coordinated response.
Lymphocytes are your body's special forces - they produce antibodies specific to each pathogen's antigens (surface proteins). These antibodies stick pathogens together and mark them for destruction, whilst antitoxins neutralise any toxins produced. Phagocytes then engulf and digest the invaders through phagocytosis, changing shape to surround pathogens in vacuoles.
Vaccines contain weakened or dead pathogens that trigger your immune system to produce antibodies and memory cells without making you ill. This creates immunity - if you encounter the real pathogen later, your secondary immune response is much faster than the primary response.
Industrial fermenters use controlled conditions to grow useful microorganisms on a massive scale. Stirring paddles keep everything mixed, whilst temperature and pH probes maintain optimal conditions for maximum productivity.
Key Point: Your immune system's memory cells are why you rarely get the same illness twice - they remember how to fight specific pathogens.
We thought youโd never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help โ all at your fingertips.
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4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because itโs too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didnโt even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as Iโm sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH ๐๐๐ฒ๐ค๐โจ๐๐ฎ
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user