lesson
Small does not mean the same kind
1 · Learn
Plants can be divided into smaller groups using features such as whether they produce flowers or reproduce using spores. Mosses and ferns do not produce flowers. Flowering plants can differ in leaf shape, flower structure and other characteristics.
Micro-organism describes an organism too small to see clearly without magnification. It is not one single family: examples include bacteria and microscopic fungi such as yeast. Not all micro-organisms cause disease; some have useful roles.
2 · Worked example
Yeast is a fungus used in bread-making. Calling it microscopic describes its size; it does not make it a tiny plant or prove it is harmful.
3 · Your turn
Does 'micro-organism' mean 'a harmful bacterium'?
Check your answer
No. It describes microscopic size and includes different kinds of organisms, many of which are not harmful to us.
4 · Apply your learning
Use approved reference pictures to compare a flowering plant, fern and yeast. State what each image can and cannot reveal.
Adult guidance and safety
Do not grow unknown microbes or open mouldy containers. Use prepared images, not home culturing.
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Check a calculation · Year 5 onward
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