MICROBES IN HUMAN WELFARE

By:Shari K S

DEFINITION

Living organism (such as bacteria, fungi, viruses) too small to be

seen with naked eye but visibleunder a microscope.

DERIVATION OF MICROBES

Greek words:

Micros Small +

Organismos Organism

FATHER OF MICROBIOLOGY

Anton van leeuwenhoek

Discovered microbes in 1675

Devised first microscope

Micro organisms

Bacteria Fungi Virus Microscopic plants (Green algae) Microscopic animals (Rotifers &

Planarians)

Microbes in household products

Lactobacillus

Production of curd from milk

Microbes in household products

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Used for making bread

Microbes in household products

Propionibacterium

Production of swiss cheese.

Microbes in industrial products

Yeast

Production of beverages like wine, beer, whisky, brandy & rum

Microbes in industrial products

Brewer’s yeast

Used for production of ethanol by fermenting malted cereals & fruit juices

Antibiotics

Penicillium notatum

Inhibits growth of Staphaylo cocci

BIOACTIVE MOLECULES

Streptococcus

Production of Streptokinase

BIOACTIVE MOLECULES

Trichoderma polysporm

Production of Cyclosporin

BIOACTIVE MOLECULES

Monascus purpureus

Production of statins

biofertilisers

Rhizobium

Fixes atmospheric nitrogen into organic forms.

biofertilisers

Mycorrhiza

Absorbs phosphorus from soil & passes it to plants.

biofertilisers

Cyanobacteria

Fix atmospheric nitrogen