Bacteria are the most abundant living organisms on earth. Bacteria considered as one of the oldest forms of life on earth, as they were the very first organisms to evolve on the planet earth.
Bacteria were first observed by the Dutch microscopist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek in 1675. According to his research and discoveries, the bacteria definition was given as the living, microscopic, prokaryotic and unicellular microorganisms. Bacteria usually lack a true nucleus and other membrane-bound cell organelles. These microorganisms are found everywhere around us. They can survive in almost every habitat and can be found in the bottom of the ocean and also in the plants, animals and in the human body.
How much do we know about Bacteria?
Have you ever thought about the Bacteria? Are they living or non-living? Are they harmful or beneficial? In this article let us know some important facts and information related to Bacteria.
Bacteria are grouped into the Kingdom Monera, as they lack a true nucleus and other membrane-bound cell organelles. There are about 30 to 40 thousands of formally named species and are mainly classified into different groups based on different criteria including, the shape, composition of the cell wall, mode of respiration, modes of reproduction in bacteria and their different modes of nutrition.
Bacteria and Their Benefits
- Cyanobacteria are characterised with the property of nitrogen fixation.
- There are many bacteria present in our gut which helps in digestion and protects our body from defending the invading pathogens.
- There are various applications of bacteria in the industrial process for the manufacturing of medicines- antibiotics, biopesticides, fermented food products, and a lot more.
- Bacteria also help in converting atmospheric nitrogen into the soluble compounds.
- Bacteria have had a profound impact on the world’s ecology, and play a major role in modern medicine and agriculture.
- Bacteria act as biocontrol agents. Bacteria’s belonging to the coccobacillus group is pathogenic to insects.
- Bacteria form a significant part of the ecosystem and participate in the production of minerals and gases like oxygen, carbon dioxide.
- Bacteria feed on the dead and decaying matter by converting the complex compounds into the simpler ones.
- These microorganisms are used in various industries for the production of various metabolites such as ethanol, riboflavin, lactic acid, and butanol.
- Probiotics are often called “good” or “helpful” bacteria because they help keep your digestive system healthy and free from diseases and other infections.
- Bacteria are known to increase the fertility of the soil by fixing nitrogen and are often referred to as biological nitrogen fixers.
- There are many other groups of bacteria, which are useful in the production of enzymes, biogas, biofuels and biofertilizers.
- Biofertilizers promotes the growth of plants, trees by increasing the supply of essential nutrients to the host plant.
- For the production of antibiotics, bacteria are a primary source. Penicillin was the first antibiotics produced from the bacteria called Penicillium notatum, which is widely used to treat the different type of bacterial infections.
- Not all bacteria are harmful and beneficial to humans. There are a few species of bacteria, which are beneficial in different ways, including in the production of food products, antibiotics, preparation of curd, yoghurt, wine, fermentation of food products, etc.
This was a brief introduction to the importance of bacteria. To learn more about the bacteria, their types, and other related topics, visit us at BYJU’S BIOLOGY and also learn more by watching various Biology related videos by subscribing to the BYJU’S YouTube Channel.
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