IMPORTANCE OF MICROORGANISMS

Bacteria can be harmful or helpful. They can make us sick or neutralize viruses that are attacking our bodies. Friendly bacteria produce antibodies and are found on our skin and in our digestive tracts.
Beneficial effects are;

FOOD PRODUCTION: Bacteria are used to make products like bread,beer, yoghurt and cheese. These bacteria are good for us even as they make food taste good.
The process of adding friendly bacteria to food is known as PROBIOTICS.

MEDICINE: Antibiotics, vaccines and other drugs that fight infections are produced using bacteria. Antibiotics kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. Antibiotics can help resist viruses. Vaccines help the immune system fight diseases.

BIOTECHNOLOGY: This is a branch of science that uses bacteria and other micro-organisms. This field has recreated helpful substances like growth hormones and human insulin found in the body. Biotechnology is also used in agriculture. Specially mutated forms of bacteria have been introduced to soil to make it more fertile.

BENEFIT TO BODY: Bacteria help the body with functions like digestion, immunity and keeping potentially harmful bacteria like E.coli from making us sick. Bacteria helps synthesize vitamins like biotin, vitamin k and folic acid.

BENEFITS ON THE ENVIRONMENT: They are responsible for the basic functions of the environment. They break down dead plants and animals and make nutrients for other living things. Some plants store bacteria in their roots to break down nutrients in the soil.