Describe the roles of microorganisms in (i) food industry, (ii) medicine, and (iii) agriculture. Support your answer with examples.
Answer (2)
Microorganisms play crucial roles in the food industry through fermentation, in medicine by producing antibiotics and vaccines, and in agriculture by enhancing soil fertility. Examples such as yeast in bread-making and nitrogen-fixing bacteria in legumes illustrate their diverse contributions. This highlights how integral microorganisms are to food, health, and farming systems.
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Microorganisms play significant roles across various industries, thanks to their diverse functions and abilities. Let’s explore their roles in the food industry, medicine, and agriculture:
(i) Food Industry : Microorganisms are essential in the production and preservation of various food products. They are used in the fermentation process to produce staples like bread, cheese, yogurt, and alcoholic beverages.
Fermentation : Yeast, a type of fungus, is used in bread-making to ferment sugar, producing carbon dioxide, which makes the bread rise. In brewing beer or making wine, yeast ferments sugars to produce alcohol.
Dairy Production : Lactobacillus and other bacteria are used in the production of yogurt and cheese. These bacteria ferment lactose (milk sugar), producing lactic acid, which thickens the milk and gives yogurt its distinctive taste.
(ii) Medicine : In medicine, microorganisms contribute significantly to the production of antibiotics and vaccines.
Antibiotics : Penicillium, a type of mold, is used to produce penicillin, one of the first and most widely used antibiotics. Other microorganisms also produce antibiotics, which help in treating bacterial infections.
Vaccines : Certain viruses and bacteria are used in a weakened or inactivated form to create vaccines. These microorganisms help the body develop immunity by preparing it to recognize and fight future infections.
(iii) Agriculture : Microorganisms contribute to soil fertility and plant health, playing roles in nutrient cycling and pest control.
Nitrogen Fixation : Bacteria such as Rhizobium fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use. This process is crucial for plant growth and agricultural productivity because nitrogen is an essential nutrient.
Biopesticides : Bacillus thuringiensis is a bacterium used as a natural pesticide. It produces toxins that are harmful to certain insect pests, thus helping to protect crops without harmful chemicals.
Microorganisms are indispensable to these industries, providing natural processes and products that enhance human life and agricultural productivity.
