Question

Microorganisms like bacteria are reason behind a number of diseases some of which are even fatal. Should all microorganisms be considered harmful for humans?

Answer 1

Pathogens:

1. Many microorganisms like bacteria can infect a healthy individual and cause diseases.
2. The pathogens that are harmful for humans, animals and plants are called the pathogens.
3. This includes the bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoans that can result in various diseases.

Beneficial microorganisms:

1. All microorganisms are not harmful as some of the microorganisms are beneficial for humans.
2. Microorganisms in the food industry: Yeast is the microorganism that is used for baking and also for the production of alcohol.
3. Lactobacillus is the bacteria that can convert milk to curd due to the production of lactic acid.
4. Microorganisms in the medicinal industry: Microorganisms are used in the development of antibiotics and vaccines to control infections by pathogens.
5. Microorganisms in agricultural practices: Nitrogen fixing bacteria like Rhizobium can trap the nitrogen from the atmosphere to enter the soil so that the plant can take up the nitrogen.