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Defining microbes
This article introduces what microbes are and the different types.
In this step, we will define what microbes are and the different types of microbes.
Please note, a glossary is available for this course and can be accessed here or in the downloads section below. This can be used throughout the course.
A microbe is a micro-organism with microscopic or sub-microscopic size, meaning they can not be seen with the naked eye.
There are several different types of microbes, detailed in the diagram below:
if you require a screen-reader compatible version this is available as a PDF.
Size comparison of microbes
| Virus | Bacteria | Fungi/Protozoa |
|---|---|---|
| 0.03-0.3 μm | 0.1 – 10μm | 4 – 10μm |
| Electron microscope | Light microscope | Visible to naked eye |
In the next step, we will look at how microbes can be classified.
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