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Bacteria
Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can replicate themselves. There are vast differences in the individual species within this group. Some differing characteristics are the presence of flagella, shape, size, types of food they utilize, how they group together, the outer cell wall coating and where they are commonly found. All of these individual characteristics help define an individual species. In general, bacteria are able of self-replicate, have a cell boundary, contain genetic material and machinery to produce proteins.
Viruses
Most viruses are smaller than bacteria in terms of size and must be seen with the help of a microscope. Species of this group vary in terms of size, shape, target cell and type of genetic material they contain. Essentially, they are a package of genetic material surrounded by a protein coating. Viruses are not able to reproduce by themselves and require a host to replicate. They can also contain specific proteins that help them to invade specific cells and take advantage of the cellular machinery in order to replicate more viruses.
Algae
Watery environments around the world may have certain species of algae. Like plants, they are able to produce their own food and give oxygen for animals to breathe. They can also be found on rocks and trees with plenty of water available. Algae can exist in either a single cell form or larger complex arrangements such as kelp. Reproduction can be either by asexual or sexual reproductive means. Defining traits of this group are the presence of membrane-bound chloroplasts and nuclei and the ability to produce their own food.
Fungi
Fungi range in size from a single cell, such as yeast, to large collections, like mold and mushrooms. Like bacteria, they are able to replicate by themselves. Fungi need outside food sources to survive and are not able to make their own food. A fungus absorbs nutrients by secreting enzymes to their surroundings, then absorbs the broken-down form of the larger food source. They tend to live in acidic environments with low water needs. A defining characteristic is the way they spread to other places. Many molds form spores that can be carried away from the parent to other locations and grow. They can also produce hyphae, long projections leading away from the main body.
Protozoa
Another group of microbes are known as protozoa, which translates to "little animal". These are small animals that tend to hunt other microbes for food. Some can absorb food through their cellular tissue, while many others engulf their prey. A major defining characteristic of this class is that all protozoa digest their food in compartments that act as a stomach. Three subclasses are defined by their mode of movement. Ciliates have small projections called cilia that allow for movement and tend to eat other protozoa. Flagellates have long whip-like projections, typically on one side, that help propel them through liquids. Amoebae use their extending cytoplasm to help move and find sources of food. The main points to remember for this group are that they are unable to produce their own food, are motile and have stomach-like compartments for digestion.