Question

Describe the role of microbes in agriculture and industries.

Answer 1

Microbes in Agriculture :
Microbes play an important role in agricultrue as biocontrol agents and biofertilizers.
(i) Biocontrol agents :
Microorganisms used for controlling harmful or pathogenic organisms and pests of plants are called as biocontrol agents Biopesticides.
(E.g) Bacillus Thuringiensis.(Bt) is a species of bacteria that produces a protein called as ‘cry’ protein.

(ii) Biofertilizers:

• Microorganisms which enrich the soil with nutrients are called as biofertilizers.
• Bacteria, cyanobacteria and fungi are the main sources of biofertilizers .
• Atomspheric nitrogen has to be converted to available form of nitrogen.
  Example: Azotobacter, Nostoc (free living), Symbiotic microbes like Rhizobium, Frankia.

Microbes in Industries
Microorganisms play an important role in the production of wide variety of valuable products for the welfare of human beings.

Production of fermented beverages: Beverages like wine are produced by fermentation of grape fruits by Saccharomyces cerevisiae.