Economic Importance of Bacteria and Fungi
Bacteria and fungi are microscopic organisms that play a dual role in human life, proving to be beneficial in various sectors like agriculture, industry, and medicine, but also presenting harmful effects.
Bacteria contribute positively through:
1. Agriculture: Nitrogen fixation by Rhizobium enhances soil fertility, while putrefying bacteria decompose organic matter, recycling nutrients into the ecosystem.
2. Industry: The dairy industry benefits from Lactobacillus which converts milk into curd; Acetobacter is vital in vinegar production; some bacteria contribute to leather tanning and improving tea flavor.
3. Medicine: Antibiotic production (e.g., streptomycin from Streptomyces), vaccine development (like BCG for tuberculosis), and the use of probiotics to maintain gut health are crucial aspects of bacterial benefits.
4. Sewage Treatment: Bacteria play a vital role in breaking down organic waste, aiding in sanitation.
However, harmful bacteria can cause serious human diseases (e.g., tuberculosis from Mycobacterium tuberculosis, typhoid from Salmonella typhi), plant diseases (e.g., citrus canker from Xanthomonas), and food spoilage (souring milk, rotting vegetables).
Fungi are also significant:
1. Industry: Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is crucial in fermentation for alcohol and bread production; Penicillium notatum provides penicillin, the first antibiotic; and Aspergillus and Rhizopus are used to generate organic acids like citric and lactic acid.
2. Agriculture: Mycorrhizae, a symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant roots, improve nutrient and water absorption; they also function as decomposers, enhancing nutrient cycling.
3. Food: Some fungi are edible, like mushrooms (Agaricus), while others contribute to cheese production, such as Penicillium roqueforti in blue cheese.
Conversely, fungi can also be harmful, causing human diseases (e.g., thrush from Candida, skin infections from ringworm) and plant diseases (e.g., wheat rust from Puccinia). Food spoilage is another significant issue as molds affect perishable goods.
A summary table reinforces the dual roles of bacteria and fungi:
- Bacteria: Useful roles include nitrogen fixation and antibiotic production, while harmful roles involve disease causation and spoilage.
- Fungi: Useful roles include fermentation and nutrient recycling, while harmful roles involve diseases and food spoilage.