Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can exist in diverse environments. They play roles in both maintaining health and causing diseases as well.
Examples of Helpful Bacteria
Bacteria play muti-directional roles in the environment. Here is a list of helpful bacteria that are found in nature playing crucial roles:
| Area | Role | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Gut health (probiotics) | It supports digestive health by maintaining the gut microflora | Lactobacillus acidophilus |
Immune System | Supports the functioning of the immune system by enhancing gut health and boosting the body's defence mechanisms. | Bifidobacterium bifidum |
Production of vitamins | Gut microbes help in digestion and also in the production of vitamins such as vitamin B-12 | Pseudomonas, Klebsiella sp |
Production of antibiotics | They are responsible for the production of antibiotics to treat bacterial or fungal infections | Streptomyces griseus |
Production of fermented foods | Beneficial bacteria are used to produce fermented dairy products such as curd, yogurt and cheese, are also used to ferment vegetables for preparing pickles and sauerkraut. | LAB or Lactic Acid Bacteria, Leuconostoc sp. |
Production of vinegar | Fermentation by bacteria converts alcohol into acetic acid which is used for the production of vinegar. | Acetobacter aceti |
Atmospheric Nitrogen fixation | Species of Rhizobium (soil bacterium) helps in fixing atmospheric nitrogen which in turns promote plant growth addressing requirement of Nitrogen in plants. | Rhizobium leguminosarum |
Maintaining soil health | Soil bacteria mainly antimicrobial or antagonistic molecules that prtect plant from harmful bacteria protecting plant from infections and promoting soil health. | Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis |
Bioremediation | Bacteria possess the ability to bioremediate environmental pollutants such as heavy metal toxicity under aerobic conditions. | Pseudomonas putida |
Biogas production | They breakdown complex organic matter for the production of biogas which serves as a green energy | Methanogens |
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