The microscopic world
Discover the 5 main groups of microorganisms : viruses, bacteria, microscopic fungi (yeasts and molds), algae, and protozoa.
When talking about the diversity and the number of living creatures populating the surface of the earth, plants and animals immediately come to mind. But there are small living beings, invisible to the naked eye, which constitute half of the terrestrial biomass. These are the “microworld” inhabitants: the microorganisms.
Zoom in on microorganisms
Those useful microorganisms
Numerous, minuscule and very old, microorganisms sometimes help us a great deal.
Numerous, minuscule and very old, microorganisms sometimes help us a great deal.
Germs
Although most microorganisms pose no danger to humans or their pets, some are infectious and may be harmful or even fatal.
Although most microorganisms pose no danger to humans or their pets, some are infectious and may be harmful or even fatal.
Biotechnology - attention, microorganisms at work!
Some microorganisms convert or fabricate products for human consumption while others contribute to improving the quality of the environment.
Some microorganisms convert or fabricate products for human consumption while others contribute to improving the quality of the environment.
Genetic engineering - custom-built microorganisms
Thanks to genetic engineering, scientists can turn selected microorganisms into microscopic "mini-factories" of useful substances that improve humans' health, environment, and economy.
Thanks to genetic engineering, scientists can turn selected microorganisms into microscopic "mini-factories" of useful substances that improve humans' health, environment, and economy.
Resources
Animations
Human flora, the immune system, a microbiological picnic, DNA, RNA, proteins… Discover the universe of the infinitely small through these short animations.
Human flora, the immune system, a microbiological picnic, DNA, RNA, proteins… Discover the universe of the infinitely small through these short animations.
Video library
Bread, wine, beer, cheese, kefir, and yogurt are all produced with the help of microorganisms. View video sequences on the production of these food items.
Bread, wine, beer, cheese, kefir, and yogurt are all produced with the help of microorganisms. View video sequences on the production of these food items.
Games
Missions, fact-finding, memory, and association games… Measure and develop your knowledge of microorganisms while having fun with these online activities.
Missions, fact-finding, memory, and association games… Measure and develop your knowledge of microorganisms while having fun with these online activities.
Teachers Resources
How to use this virtual exhibition as a teaching aid? Consult our pedagogical resource on this exhibition.
How to use this virtual exhibition as a teaching aid? Consult our pedagogical resource on this exhibition.
