Microorganisms are diverse. If you had to categorize them into the main types mentioned (bacteria, fungi, and protozoa), what is one key characteristic that helps distinguish each group?
Bacteria are typically single-celled organisms without a true nucleus (prokaryotic). Fungi can be single-celled (like yeast) or multicellular (like molds and mushrooms) and are heterotrophic, absorbing nutrients from their environment. Protozoa are single-celled, animal-like organisms that are motile and often predatory, engulfing other microbes or organic matter.