What are examples of helpful bacteria?
Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can exist in diverse environments. They play roles in both maintaining health and causing diseases as well.
Examples of Helpful Bacteria
Bacteria play muti-directional roles in the environment. Here is a list of helpful bacteria that are found in nature playing crucial roles:
| Area |
Role |
Examples |
|---|---|---|
|
Gut health (probiotics) |
It supports digestive health by maintaining the gut microflora |
Lactobacillus acidophilus |
|
Immune System |
Supports the functioning of the immune system by enhancing gut health and boosting the body’s defence mechanisms. |
Bifidobacterium bifidum |
|
Production of vitamins |
Gut microbes help in digestion and also in the production of vitamins such as vitamin B-12 |
Pseudomonas, Klebsiella sp |
|
Production of antibiotics |
They are responsible for the production of antibiotics to treat bacterial or fungal infections |
Streptomyces griseus |
|
Production of fermented foods |
Beneficial bacteria are used to produce fermented dairy products such as curd, yogurt and cheese, are also used to ferment vegetables for preparing pickles and sauerkraut. |
LAB or Lactic Acid Bacteria, Leuconostoc sp. |
|
Production of vinegar |
Fermentation by bacteria converts alcohol into acetic acid which is used for the production of vinegar. |
Acetobacter aceti |
|
Atmospheric Nitrogen fixation |
Species of Rhizobium (soil bacterium) helps in fixing atmospheric nitrogen which in turns promote plant growth addressing requirement of Nitrogen in plants. |
Rhizobium leguminosarum |
|
Maintaining soil health |
Soil bacteria mainly antimicrobial or antagonistic molecules that prtect plant from harmful bacteria protecting plant from infections and promoting soil health. |
Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis |
|
Bioremediation |
Bacteria possess the ability to bioremediate environmental pollutants such as heavy metal toxicity under aerobic conditions. |
Pseudomonas putida |
|
Biogas production |
They breakdown complex organic matter for the production of biogas which serves as a green energy |
Methanogens |
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