How can bacteria be helpful?
1 Answer
Bacteria are helpful in many ways including, genetic engineering, biotechnology, pest control, digestion and fibre retting.
Explanation:
In BIOTECHNOLOGY
Bacteria are useful in the production of fermented foods ( Lactobacillus ) ethanol (Zymomonas mobilis ) , enzymes ( Bacillus subtilis ) , pharmaceuticals ( E. coli ) .
In GENETIC ENGINEERING
Bacterial cells are transformed and used in production of human insulin and human growth hormone ( E. coli )
Bacteria are also bioengineered for the production of therapeutic proteins.
In FIBRE RETTING
Plants of jute, hemp and flax are immersed in water innocolated with bacteria like Clostridium beigerinckii . They hydrolyse the pectin in the cell walls and separate the fibres.
In DIGESTION
Bacteria are present in the digestive tract of animals ( Fibrobacter succinogenes ) . In herbivores these secrete enzyme cellulose which helps in digesting cellulose.
Most of the nutritional value of vegetables would be lost in humans with out the helpful bacteria like Lactobacillus, Escherichia and Clostridium.
In VITAMIN SYNTHESIS
E. coli inhabiting the large intestine of humans synthesise vitamin B and releases it for human use.
Commercially Clostridium butyclicum is used to manufacture riboflavin, vitamin B and K .
In PEST CONTROL.
Bacillus thuringenesis is used as a bio pesticide. These are environment friendly and have negligible effects on humans and wildlife.
