Question

Write advantages and disadvantages of bacteria.

Answer 1

Bacteria:

These are a group of microorganisms that are present in a variety of environments.

Advantages of bacteria:

1. Gut bacteria help disintegrate food and keep the gut healthy.
2. Some can produce oxygen which are used in the creation of antibiotics
3. Some prevent the invasion of disease-causing bacteria
4. Used in the synthesis of vital vitamins and nutrients
5. Production of drugs, vaccines, antibiotics
6. Production of methane – biogas
7. Killing plant pests
8. In the cleanup of toxic wastes and oil spills
9. Transfer of genes in gene therapy

Disadvantages of bacteria:

1. Bacteria cause a wide variety of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, etc.
2. They spoil food items.
3. They decompose food, imparting a foul smell to the environment.