Five Beneficial Effects of Microorganisms

Benefits of Bacteria on the Environment

• Bacteria are everywhere. They are responsible for the basic functions of the environment. They break down dead plants and animals, and make nutrients for other living things. Some plants store bacteria in their roots to break down nutrients in the soil.

Uses in Medicine

• Bacteria are used to produce vaccines, antibiotics and other drugs that fight infections. Antibiotics kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. Although antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, such as the common cold, some bacteria have been discovered that can help resist viruses. Vaccines are designed to help the body's immune system fight diseases.

Beneficial Bacteria in Food

• We come into contact with a lot of bacteria through the food we eat. Bacteria are used to make products like bread, beer and cheese. It is possible these bacteria not only make food taste good, but also are good for us. Probiotics is a process in which friendly bacteria are added to foods like yogurt and chocolate.

Benefits to the Body

• The human body contains 10 times more bacteria than cells. Bacteria help the body with functions like digestion, immunity and keeping potentially harmful bacteria like E. coli from making us sick. Bacteria helps synthesize vitamins like biotin, vitamin K and folic acid.

Biotechnology

• Biotechnology is a branch of science that uses bacteria and other microorganisms. This field has recreated helpful substances found in the body, like growth hormones and human insulin. Biotechnology also is used in agriculture. Specially mutated forms of bacteria have been introduced to soil as a way to make it more fertile.