The terms ‘bacteria’ and ‘microbe’ conjure scary images, but not all microbes are harmful. Need more convincing? Here are four reasons why microbes are so cool:
1. They Improve the Taste of Food:
Bacteria play a crucial role in developing the flavors of our food. Lactic acid bacteria, for example, are used in the fermentation of yogurt and cheese, giving them their characteristic tangy taste. During fermentation, these bacteria produce volatile flavor compounds like diacetyl, which gives a buttery taste to butter and certain cheeses. They also contribute to the delicious taste of chocolate. We even have a dedicated blog on this: No Microbes, No Easter Eggs
2. They Help Us Make Medicines:
Microbes are used in the production of various medicines. Bacteria and fungi are employed to produce antibiotics. They are also used to make insulin and other biotechnological drugs that are life-saving for millions of people.
3. They Can Help Break Down Plastic:
Microbes can help break down plastic by using it as a nutrient source, converting it into simpler components that support their growth. A team of scientists in Japan discovered this for the first time when they found plastic-degrading bacteria called Ideonella sakaiensis in a recycling center. This bacterium uses specialized enzymes to break down PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a commonly used plastic in water bottles. The discovery of such plastic-degrading microbes offers a promising way to improve recycling processes. You can find the scientific paper here: Science
4. They Make Our World More Beautiful:
Microbes make our world more beautiful in many ways. A stunning example is lichens, which result from a collaboration between fungi, algae, and bacteria. Lichens grow in various colors and shapes on trees, rocks, and walls, adding visual beauty to our surroundings. Additionally, they are important bio-indicators for air quality.
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