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Multiple Choice
Which of these is considered a microbe but NOT a microorganism?
A
SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19 virus).
B
Escherichia coli bacterium
C
Necator americanus (a hookworm).
D
Dinobryon divergens (Golden Algae).
E
None of the above, all are microorganisms.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the definition of a microbe: A microbe is a microscopic organism, which can be a bacterium, virus, fungus, or protozoan.
Understand the definition of a microorganism: A microorganism is a living organism that is microscopic, such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa.
Identify the key difference: Viruses, like SARS-CoV-2, are considered microbes but are not classified as living organisms, hence not microorganisms.
Analyze the options: Escherichia coli is a bacterium, Necator americanus is a hookworm, and Dinobryon divergens is an algae, all of which are living organisms and thus microorganisms.
Conclude that SARS-CoV-2 is a microbe but not a microorganism because it is a virus and not considered a living organism.