Microbes: An Overview

Introduction to Microbes

• Present everywhere: soil, water, skin, air, gut
• Unicellular organisms: composed of single cells
• Varieties in shapes and colors: rods, spheres, cylinders, coils

Types of Bacteria

• Good Bacteria

  • Most are beneficial
  • Example: Mr. Bacter (intestinal bacterium)
  • Role of probiotics
    • Helps keep the gut healthy
    • Fights off harmful invaders
  • Functional foods: provide health benefits beyond standard nutrients

• Bad Bacteria

  • Some cause diseases and infections
  • Can be contagious, spread through air and water
  • Examples of diseases:
    • Cholera: through contaminated water
    • Tuberculosis and pneumonia: airborne
    • Bubonic plague (Yersinia pestis): transmitted by fleas

Role of Good Bacteria

• Maintain gut health
• Functions include:
  • Destroying bad bacteria
  • Breaking down toxins
  • Slowing down uncontrolled cell growth (e.g., cancer)
  • Producing vitamins
  • Aiding digestion and protecting against allergies

Bacterial Diet

• Bacteria consume organic material:
  • Starches and sugars
  • Dead decaying matter
• Decomposition: breaking down materials to enrich soil
• Equilibrium in gut health:
  • Balance of good and bad bacteria

Good Bacteria in Food Production

• Used in dairy products: cheese and yogurt
• Fermentation process:
  • Milk + bacteria = curd/yogurt
  • Different bacteria create various flavors and textures

Oil-Eating Bacteria

• Research on bacteria that can consume oil to clean spills
• Historical examples of bacteria responding to oil spills
• Example: Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Summary of Bacteria

• Bacteria are ubiquitous: found in every environment
• Range from beneficial to harmful
• Essential for various processes but can also pose health risks
• Awareness and understanding are crucial for health and safety.