Bacteria in Micro Organism


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Bacteria in Micro Organism

Bacteria: They are among the smallest and oldest organisms on our planet and are found in four different shapes: rod-shaped (bacillus), spherical (coccus), curved (commas), and spiral (spirillum). Lactobacillus and Streptococcus are examples of bacteria. Some bacteria like saprophytic bacteria are useful which breakdown dead plants and animals. They are called decomposers. Some bacteria grow in the presence of oxygen and are called aerobic bacteria, those which grow in the absence of oxygen are called anaerobic bacteria.

Uses of Bacteria:

  • Fixation of nitrogen: Rhizobium bacteria change the nitrogen present in air into nitrate. This process is known as fixation of nitrogen.
  • Decay of plants and animals wastes: Some bacteria use dead plants and animals as their food, and thus break them down to produce humus which use as fertilizer.
  • Food Production: Making curd and cheese: Curd is made at home by adding a spoonful of curd to warm milk, which turns into curd overnight. This happens because a protein called casein present in milk coagulates to form curd, for conversion of casein to coagulate; the milk has to be made acidic. A bacterium called Lactobacillus, present in the spoonful of curd added to the milk, converts the lactose sugar present in milk to lactic acid. This creates the acidic environment needed for casein coagulation.The process of conversion of a sugar into an acid or an alcohol by the action of microorganisms is called fermentation.
  • Digestion in animals: Escherichia coli bacteria are present in the intestines of humans and herbivorous animals which helps in digestion of food.
  • Commercial use or industrial use:

  • Helps in the production of wine and vinegar.
  • Helps in tanning of skins to make leather.
  • The bacteria enter the stem of flax plant to loosen the fibers which used to make linen thread this process is known as retting.
  • Helps in production of some vitamins and antibiotics.
  • Helps in production in chemicals and citric acid.
  • Harmful bacteria: They are generally parasites and cause large number of diseases in animals and plants. The disease caused in humans are tuberculosis, typhoid, tetanus, whooping cough, cholera and leprosy. Food spoiled by bacteria gives foul smell and bad taste.

    Sample Questions
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    Question : 1

    Cause of leprosy is  ________________.

    Right Option : A
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    Question : 2

    ___________________ bacteria is present in root nodules of pea.

    Right Option : C
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    Question : 3

    The most ancient group of organisms on the earth is ____________

    Right Option : C
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