The beneficial bacteria that inhabit the human body are called the microbiota. In terms of their number, they are quite extensive - one person has millions of them. At the same time, they all regulate the health and normal life of each individual. Scientists say: without beneficial bacteria, or, as they are also called, mutualists, the gastrointestinal tract, skin, respiratory tract would be instantly attacked by pathogenic microbes and would be destroyed.

What should be the balance of the microbiota in the body and how it can be adjusted to avoid the development of serious diseases, AiF.ru asked Director General of biomedical holding Sergey Musienko.

gut workers

One of the important parts of the location of beneficial bacteria is the intestines. No wonder it is believed that it is here that the entire human immune system is laid. And if the bacterial environment is disturbed, then the body's defenses are significantly reduced.

Beneficial intestinal bacteria create literally unbearable living conditions for pathogenic microbes - an acidic environment. In addition, beneficial microorganisms help digest plant foods, as bacteria feed on plant cells containing cellulose, but intestinal enzymes alone cannot cope with this. Also, intestinal bacteria contribute to the production of vitamins B and K, which provide metabolism in bones and connective tissues, as well as release energy from carbohydrates and contribute to the synthesis of antibodies and regulation of the nervous system.

Most often, speaking of beneficial intestinal bacteria, they mean the 2 most popular types: bifidus and lactobacilli. At the same time, as many people think, it is impossible to call them the main ones - their number is only 5-15% of the total. However, they are very important, since their positive effect on other bacteria has been proven, when such bacteria can be important factors in the well-being of the whole community: if they are fed or introduced into the body with fermented milk products - kefir or yogurt, they help other important bacteria survive and multiply. . So, for example, it is very important to restore their population during dysbacteriosis or after a course of antibiotics. Otherwise, it will be problematic to increase the body's defenses.

biological shield

The bacteria that inhabit the human skin and respiratory tract, in fact, stand guard and reliably protect their area of ​​​​responsibility from the penetration of pathogens. The main ones are micrococci, streptococci and staphylococci.

The skin microbiome has changed over the past hundreds of years as humans have moved from a natural life in contact with nature to regular washing with special products. It is believed that now human skin is inhabited by completely different bacteria that lived before. The body's immune system can distinguish between dangerous and non-dangerous. But, on the other hand, any streptococcus can become pathogenic for humans, for example, if it gets into a cut or any other open wound on the skin. An excess of bacteria or their pathological activity on the skin and in the respiratory tract can lead to the development of various diseases, as well as to the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Today there are developments based on bacteria that oxidize ammonium. Their use allows you to seed the skin microbiome with completely new organisms, as a result of which not only the smell disappears (the result of the metabolism of urban flora), but also the structure of the skin changes - pores open, etc.

Rescue of the microworld

The microcosm of each person is changing quite quickly. And this has undoubted advantages, since the number of bacteria can be updated independently.

Different bacteria feed on different substances - the more diverse a person's food and the more it matches the season, the more choice there is for beneficial microorganisms. However, if the food is heavily loaded with antibiotics or preservatives, the bacteria will not survive, because these substances are just designed to destroy them. And it does not matter at all that most of the bacteria are not pathogenic. As a result, the diversity of the inner world of man is destroyed. And after this, various diseases begin - problems with stools, skin rashes, metabolic disorders, allergic reactions, etc.

But the microbiota can be helped. And it will take only a few days for an easy correction.

There are a large number of probiotics (with live bacteria) and prebiotics (substances that support bacteria). But the main problem is that they work differently for everyone. The analysis shows that their effectiveness in dysbacteriosis is up to 70-80%, that is, one or another drug may work, or it may not. And here you should carefully monitor the course of treatment and intake - if the funds work, you will immediately notice improvements. If the situation remains unchanged, it is worth changing the treatment program.

Alternatively, you can undergo special testing that studies the genomes of bacteria, determines their composition and ratio. This allows you to quickly and competently select the necessary nutritional option and additional therapy, which will restore the delicate balance. Although a person does not feel slight disturbances in the balance of bacteria, they still affect health - in this case, frequent illnesses, drowsiness, and allergic manifestations can be noted. Every resident of the city, to one degree or another, has an imbalance in the body, and if he does not specifically do anything to restore, then surely from a certain age he will have health problems.

Fasting, unloading, more vegetables, porridge from natural cereals in the morning - these are just a few of the eating behaviors that beneficial bacteria love. But for each person, the diet should be individual in accordance with the state of his body and with his lifestyle - only then will he be able to maintain an optimal balance and always feel good.

The oldest living organism on our planet. Its representatives not only survived for billions of years, but also have enough power to destroy all other species on Earth. In this article, we will look at what bacteria are.

Let's talk about their structure, functions, and also name some useful and harmful types.

Discovery of bacteria

Let's start our tour of the microbial kingdom with a definition. What does "bacteria" mean?

The term comes from the ancient Greek word for "stick". It was introduced into the academic lexicon by Christian Ehrenberg. These are non-nuclear microorganisms, and do not have a nucleus. Previously, they were also called "prokaryotes" (non-nuclear). But in 1970 there was a division into archaea and eubacteria. However, so far more often this concept means all prokaryotes.

The science of bacteriology studies what bacteria are. Scientists say that about ten thousand different types of these living creatures have been discovered so far. However, it is believed that there are more than a million varieties.

Anton Leeuwenhoek, a Dutch naturalist, microbiologist and fellow of the Royal Society of London, in 1676, in a letter to Great Britain, describes a number of the simplest microorganisms that he discovered. His message shocked the public; a commission was sent from London in order to double-check this data.

After Nehemiah Gru confirmed the information, Leeuwenhoek became a world-famous scientist, a discoverer. But in his notes, he called them "animalcules."

Ehrenberg continued his work. It was this researcher who coined the modern term "bacteria" in 1828.

Microorganisms are also used for military purposes. With the help of various species, deadly is created. For this, not only the bacteria themselves are used, but also the toxins secreted by them.

In a peaceful manner, science uses single-celled organisms for research in the fields of genetics, biochemistry, genetic engineering and molecular biology. With the help of successful experiments, algorithms for the synthesis of vitamins, proteins and other substances necessary for a person were created.

Bacteria are also used in other areas. With the help of microorganisms, ores are enriched and water bodies and soils are cleaned.

Scientists also say that the bacteria that make up the microflora in the human intestine can be called a separate organ with its own tasks and independent functions. According to researchers, there are about one kilogram of these microorganisms inside the body!

In everyday life, we encounter pathogenic bacteria everywhere. According to statistics, the largest number of colonies is on the handles of supermarket carts, followed by computer mice in Internet cafes, and only in third place are the handles of public restrooms.

Beneficial bacteria

Even at school they teach what bacteria are. Grade 3 knows all sorts of cyanobacteria and other unicellular organisms, their structure and reproduction. Now we will talk about the practical side of the issue.

Half a century ago, no one thought about such a question as the state of the microflora in the intestines. Everything was OK. Nutrition is more natural and healthy, a minimum of hormones and antibiotics, less chemical emissions into the environment.

Today, in conditions of poor nutrition, stress, an overabundance of antibiotics, dysbacteriosis and related problems come to the fore. How do doctors propose to deal with this?

One of the main answers is the use of probiotics. This is a special complex that repopulates the human intestines with beneficial bacteria.

Such an intervention can help with such unpleasant moments as food allergies, lactose intolerance, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and other ailments.

Let's now touch on what beneficial bacteria are, and also learn about their impact on health.

Three types of microorganisms have been studied in the most detail and are widely used for a positive effect on the human body - acidophilus, Bulgarian bacillus and bifidobacteria.

The first two are designed to stimulate the immune system, as well as reduce the growth of some harmful microorganisms like yeast, E. coli, and so on. Bifidobacteria are responsible for the digestion of lactose, the production of certain vitamins, and the reduction of cholesterol.

harmful bacteria

Earlier we talked about what bacteria are. The types and names of the most common beneficial microorganisms were announced above. Further, we will talk about the "unicellular enemies" of man.

There are those that are harmful only to humans, there are deadly to animals or plants. People have learned to use the latter, in particular, to destroy weeds and annoying insects.

Before delving into what are, it is worth deciding on the ways of their distribution. And there are a lot of those. There are microorganisms that are transmitted through contaminated and unwashed products, airborne and contact routes, through water, soil or insect bites.

The worst thing is that just one cell, once in a favorable environment of the human body, is able to multiply up to several million bacteria within just a few hours.

If we talk about what bacteria are, the names of pathogenic and beneficial ones are difficult to distinguish for a non-professional. In science, Latin terms are used to refer to microorganisms. In common speech, abstruse words are replaced by concepts - "E. coli", "causative agents" of cholera, whooping cough, tuberculosis and others.

Preventive measures to prevent the disease are of three types. These are vaccinations and vaccines, interruption of transmission routes (gauze bandages, gloves) and quarantine.

Where do bacteria in urine come from?

Some people try to monitor their health and take tests at the clinic. Very often the cause of poor results is the presence of microorganisms in the samples.

About what bacteria are in the urine, we will talk a little later. Now it is worth dwelling separately on where, in fact, single-celled creatures appear there.

Ideally, a person's urine is sterile. There can be no foreign organisms. The only way for bacteria to enter the secretions is at the site where waste is removed from the body. In particular, in this case it will be the urethra.

If the analysis shows a small number of inclusions of microorganisms in the urine, then everything is normal so far. But with an increase in the indicator above the permitted limits, such data indicate the development of inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system. This may include pyelonephritis, prostatitis, urethritis and other unpleasant ailments.

Thus, the question of what kind of bacteria are in the bladder is completely incorrect. Microorganisms enter the secretions not from this organ. Scientists today identify several reasons leading to the presence of single-celled creatures in the urine.

• First, it is a promiscuous sex life.
• Secondly, diseases of the genitourinary system.
• Thirdly, neglect of the rules of personal hygiene.
• Fourthly, decreased immunity, diabetes and a number of other disorders.

Types of bacteria in urine

Earlier in the article it was said that microorganisms in waste products are found only in case of diseases. We promised to tell you what bacteria are. Names will be given only of those species that are most often found in the results of analyses.

So, let's begin. Lactobacillus is a representative of anaerobic organisms, a gram-positive bacterium. It must be in the human digestive system. The presence of it in the urine indicates some failures. Such an event is uncritical, but it is an unpleasant call to the fact that you should seriously take care of yourself.

The proteus is also a natural inhabitant of the gastrointestinal tract. But the presence of it in the urine indicates a failure in the withdrawal of feces. This microorganism gets from food into urine only in this way. A sign of the presence of a large amount of proteus in the waste is a burning sensation in the lower abdomen and painful urination with a dark color of the liquid.

Very similar to the previous bacterium is Enterococcus fecalis. It enters the urine in the same way, multiplies rapidly and is difficult to treat. In addition, Enterococcus bacteria are resistant to most antibiotics.

Thus, in this article, we figured out what bacteria are. We talked about their structure, reproduction. You have learned the names of some harmful and beneficial species.

Good luck, dear readers! Remember that personal hygiene is the best prevention.

Bacteria have been living on planet Earth for more than 3.5 billion years. During this time they have learned a lot and adapted to a lot. Now they are helping people. Bacteria and man became inseparable. The total mass of bacteria is enormous. It is about 500 billion tons.

Beneficial bacteria perform two of the most important ecological functions - they fix nitrogen and participate in the mineralization of organic residues. The role of bacteria in nature is global. They are involved in the movement, concentration and dispersion of chemical elements in the earth's biosphere.

The importance of bacteria beneficial to humans is great. They make up 99% of the entire population that inhabit his body. Thanks to them, a person lives, breathes and eats.

Important. They provide complete life support.

Bacteria are pretty simple. Scientists suggest that they first appeared on planet Earth.

Beneficial bacteria in the human body

The human body is inhabited by both useful and. The existing balance between the human body and bacteria has been polished for centuries.

As scientists have calculated, the human body contains from 500 to 1000 different types of bacteria or trillions of these amazing tenants, which is up to 4 kg of total weight. Up to 3 kilograms of microbial bodies is found only in the intestines. The rest of them are in the urogenital tract, on the skin and other cavities of the human body. Microbes fill the body of a newborn from the first minutes of his life and finally form the composition of the intestinal microflora by 10-13 years.

Streptococci, lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, enterobacteria, fungi, intestinal viruses, non-pathogenic protozoa live in the intestine. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria make up 60% of the intestinal flora. The composition of this group is always constant, they are the most numerous and perform the main functions.

bifidobacteria

The importance of this type of bacteria is enormous.

• Thanks to them, acetate and lactic acid are produced. By acidifying their habitat, they inhibit the growth that causes decay and fermentation.
• Thanks to bifidobacteria, the risk of developing food allergies in babies is reduced.
• They provide antioxidant and antitumor effects.
• Bifidobacteria are involved in the synthesis of vitamin C.
• Bifido- and lactobacilli are involved in the absorption of vitamin D, calcium and iron.

Rice. 1. The photo shows bifidobacteria. Computer visualization.

coli

The importance of this type of bacteria for humans is great.

• Special attention is paid to the representative of this genus Escherichia coli M17. It is able to produce the substance cocilin, which inhibits the growth of a number of pathogenic microbes.
• With the participation, vitamins K, group B (B1, B2, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12), folic and nicotinic acids are synthesized.

Rice. 2. The photo shows E. coli (3D computer image).

The positive role of bacteria in human life

• With the participation of bifido-, lacto-, and enterobacteria, vitamins K, C, group B (B1, B2, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12), folic and nicotinic acids are synthesized.
• Due to the breakdown of undigested food components from the upper intestines - starch, cellulose, protein and fat fractions.
• The intestinal microflora maintains water-salt metabolism and ionic homeostasis.
• Due to the secretion of special substances, the intestinal microflora inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria that cause putrefaction and fermentation.
• Bifido-, lacto-, and enterobacteria take part in the detoxification of substances that enter from the outside and are formed inside the body itself.
• The intestinal microflora plays an important role in restoring local immunity. Thanks to it, the number of lymphocytes, the activity of phagocytes and the production of immunoglobulin A increase.
• Thanks to the intestinal microflora, the development of the lymphoid apparatus is stimulated.
• The resistance of the intestinal epithelium to carcinogens increases.
• Microflora protect the intestinal mucosa and provide energy to the intestinal epithelium.
• They regulate intestinal motility.
• The intestinal flora acquires the skills to capture and remove viruses from the host organism, with which it has been in symbiosis for many years.
• The importance of bacteria in maintaining the body's thermal balance is great. The intestinal microflora feeds on substances that are not digested by the enzymatic system, which come from the upper gastrointestinal tract. As a result of complex biochemical reactions, a huge amount of thermal energy is produced. Heat is carried throughout the body with blood flow and enters all internal organs. That is why a person always freezes when starving.
• The intestinal microflora regulates the reabsorption of bile acid components (cholesterol), hormones, etc.

Rice. 3. In the photo, beneficial bacteria are lactobacilli (3D computer image).

The role of bacteria in nitrogen production

ammonifying microbes(causing decay), with the help of a number of enzymes they have, they are able to decompose the remains of dead animals and plants. When proteins decompose, nitrogen and ammonia are released.

Urobacteria decompose urea, which man and all animals of the planet secrete daily. Its quantity is huge and reaches 50 million tons per year.

A certain type of bacteria is involved in the oxidation of ammonia. This process is called nitrofication.

Denitrifying microbes return molecular oxygen from the soil to the atmosphere.

Rice. 4. In the photo, beneficial bacteria are ammonifying microbes. They expose the remains of dead animals and plants to decomposition.

The role of bacteria in nature: nitrogen fixation

The importance of bacteria in the life of humans, animals, plants, fungi and bacteria is enormous. As you know, nitrogen is necessary for their normal existence. But bacteria cannot absorb nitrogen in the gaseous state. It turns out that blue-green algae can bind nitrogen and form ammonia ( cyanobacteria), free-living nitrogen fixers and special . All these useful bacteria produce up to 90% of the bound nitrogen and involve up to 180 million tons of nitrogen in the nitrogen fund of the soil.

Nodule bacteria coexist well with leguminous plants and sea buckthorn.

Plants such as alfalfa, peas, lupins and other legumes have so-called "apartments" for nodule bacteria on their roots. These plants are planted on depleted soils to enrich them with nitrogen.

Rice. 5. The photo shows nodule bacteria on the surface of the root hair of a legume plant.

Rice. 6. Photo of the root of a leguminous plant.

Rice. 7. In the photo, beneficial bacteria are cyanobacteria.

The role of bacteria in nature: the carbon cycle

Carbon is the most important cellular substance of the animal and plant world, as well as the plant world. It makes up 50% of the dry matter of the cell.

A lot of carbon is found in the fiber that animals eat. In their stomach, fiber decomposes under the action of microbes and then, in the form of manure, gets outside.

Decompose fiber cellulose bacteria. As a result of their work, the soil is enriched with humus, which significantly increases its fertility, and carbon dioxide is returned to the atmosphere.

Rice. 8. Intracellular symbionts are colored green, the mass of processed wood is colored yellow.

The role of bacteria in the conversion of phosphorus, iron and sulfur

Proteins and lipids contain a large amount of phosphorus, the mineralization of which is carried out You. megatherium(from the genus of putrefactive bacteria).

iron bacteria participate in the processes of mineralization of organic compounds containing iron. As a result of their activities, a large amount of iron ore and ferromanganese deposits are formed in swamps and lakes.

Sulfur bacteria live in water and soil. There are many of them in manure. They participate in the process of mineralization of sulfur-containing substances of organic origin. In the process of decomposition of organic sulfur-containing substances, hydrogen sulfide gas is released, which is extremely toxic to the environment, including to all living things. Sulfur bacteria, as a result of their vital activity, turn this gas into an inactive, harmless compound.

Rice. 9. Despite the apparent lifelessness, there is still life in the Rio Tinto River. These are various iron-oxidizing bacteria and many other species that can only be found in this place.

Rice. 10. Green sulfur bacteria in the Winogradsky column.

The role of bacteria in nature: mineralization of organic residues

Bacteria that take an active part in the mineralization of organic compounds are considered cleaners (orderlies) of the planet Earth. With their help, the organic matter of dead plants and animals turns into humus, which soil microorganisms turn into mineral salts, which are so necessary for building the root, stem and leaf systems of plants.

Rice. 11. Mineralization of organic substances entering the reservoir occurs as a result of biochemical oxidation.

The role of bacteria in nature: fermentation of pectins

The cells of plant organisms bind to each other (cement) with a special substance called pectin. Some types of butyric acid bacteria have the ability to ferment this substance, which, when heated, turns into a gelatinous mass (pectis). This feature is used when soaking plants containing a lot of fibers (flax, hemp).

Rice. 12. There are several ways to obtain trusts. The most common is the biological method, in which the connection of the fibrous part with the surrounding tissues is destroyed under the influence of microorganisms. The process of fermentation of pectin substances of bast plants is called lobe, and soaked straw is called trust.

The role of bacteria in water purification

water purifying bacteria, stabilize the level of its acidity. With their help, bottom sediments are reduced, the health of fish and plants living in the water improves.

Recently, a group of scientists from different countries have discovered bacteria that destroy detergents that are part of synthetic detergents and some drugs.

Rice. 13. The activity of xenobacteria is widely used to clean up soils and water bodies contaminated with oil products.

Rice. 14. Plastic domes that purify water. They contain heterotrophic bacteria that feed on carbon-containing materials and autotrophic bacteria that feed on ammonia and nitrogen-containing materials. The tube system keeps them alive.

The use of bacteria in the enrichment of ores

Ability thionic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria used to enrich copper and uranium ores.

Rice. 15. In the photo, beneficial bacteria are Thiobacilli and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (electron micrograph). They are able to extract copper ions for leaching of wastes that are formed during the flotation enrichment of sulfide ores.

The role of bacteria in butyric fermentation

Butyric microbes are everywhere. There are more than 25 types of these microbes. They take part in the process of decomposition of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

Butyric fermentation is caused by anaerobic spore-forming bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridium. They are able to ferment various sugars, alcohols, organic acids, starch, fiber.

Rice. 16. In the photo, butyric microorganisms (computer visualization).

The role of bacteria in animal life

Many species of the animal world feed on plants, which are based on fiber. To digest fiber (cellulose) animals are helped by special microbes, the residence of which is certain sections of the gastrointestinal tract.

Importance of bacteria in animal husbandry

The vital activity of animals is accompanied by the release of a huge amount of manure. From it, some microorganisms can produce methane ("marsh gas"), which is used as a fuel and raw material in organic synthesis.

Rice. 17. Methane gas as a fuel for cars.

The use of bacteria in the food industry

The role of bacteria in human life is enormous. Lactic acid bacteria are widely used in the food industry:

• in the production of curdled milk, cheeses, sour cream and kefir;
• when fermenting cabbage and pickling cucumbers, they take part in urinating apples and pickling vegetables;
• they give a special flavor to wines;
• produce lactic acid, which ferments milk. This property is used for the production of curdled milk and sour cream;
• in the preparation of cheeses and yogurts on an industrial scale;
• lactic acid serves as a preservative during the brining process.

Lactic acid bacteria are milk streptococci, creamy streptococci, bulgarian, acidophilic, grain thermophilic and cucumber sticks. Bacteria of the genus Streptococcus and Lactobacillus give the products a thicker consistency. As a result of their vital activity, the quality of cheeses improves. They give the cheese a certain cheese flavor.

Rice. 18. In the photo, beneficial bacteria are lactobacilli (pink), Bulgarian stick and thermophilic streptococcus.

Rice. 19. In the photo, beneficial bacteria are kefir (Tibetan or milk) mushroom and lactic acid sticks before being directly introduced into milk.

Rice. 20. Dairy products.

Rice. 21. Thermophilic streptococci (Streptococcus thermophilus) are used in the preparation of mozzarella cheese.

Rice. 22. There are many options for mold penicillin. Velvety crust, greenish veins, unique taste and medicinal ammonia aroma of cheeses are unique. The mushroom taste of cheeses depends on the place and duration of ripening.

Rice. 23. Bifiliz - a biological preparation for oral administration, containing a mass of live bifidobacteria and lysozyme.

The use of yeast and fungi in the food industry

The food industry mainly uses the yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae. They carry out alcoholic fermentation, which is why they are widely used in the baking business. The alcohol evaporates during baking, and carbon dioxide bubbles form the bread crumb.

Since 1910, yeast has been added to sausages. Yeast of the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae is used for the production of wines, beer and kvass.

Rice. 24. Kombucha is a friendly symbiosis of vinegar sticks and yeast. It appeared in our area in the last century.

Rice. 25. Dry and wet yeast are widely used in the baking industry.

Rice. 26. Microscopic view of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells and Saccharomyces cerevisiae - "real" wine yeast.

The role of bacteria in human life: acetic acid oxidation

Pasteur also proved that special microorganisms take part in acetic acid oxidation - vinegar sticks which are widely found in nature. They settle on plants, penetrate into ripened vegetables and fruits. There are many of them in pickled vegetables and fruits, wine, beer and kvass.

The ability of vinegar sticks to oxidize ethyl alcohol to acetic acid is used today to produce vinegar used for food purposes and in the preparation of animal feed - ensiling (canning).

Rice. 27. The process of ensiling fodder. Silage is a succulent feed with a high nutritional value.

The role of bacteria in human life: the production of drugs

The study of the vital activity of microbes has allowed scientists to use some bacteria for the synthesis of antibacterial drugs, vitamins, hormones and enzymes.

They help fight many infectious and viral diseases. Most antibiotics are produced actinomycetes, less often non-micellar bacteria. Penicillin, derived from fungi, destroys the cell wall of bacteria. Streptomycetes produce streptomycin, which inactivates the ribosomes of microbial cells. hay sticks or Bacillus subtilis acidify the environment. They inhibit the growth of putrefactive and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms due to the formation of a number of antimicrobial substances. Hay stick produces enzymes that destroy substances that are formed as a result of the putrefactive decay of tissues. They are involved in the synthesis of amino acids, vitamins and immunoactive compounds.

Using the technology of genetic engineering, today scientists have learned to use for the production of insulin and interferon.

A number of bacteria are supposed to be used to produce a special protein that can be added to livestock feed and human food.

Rice. 28. In the photo, spores of hay bacillus or Bacillus subtilis (painted blue).

Rice. 29. Biosporin-Biopharma is a domestic drug containing apathogenic bacteria of the genus Bacillus.

Using bacteria to produce safe herbicides

Today, the technique is widely used phytobacteria for the production of safe herbicides. toxins Bacillus thuringiensis emit Cry-toxins dangerous for insects, which makes it possible to use this feature of microorganisms in the fight against plant pests.

The use of bacteria in the production of detergents

Proteases or cleave peptide bonds between the amino acids that make up proteins. Amylase breaks down starch. hay stick (B. subtilis) produces proteases and amylases. Bacterial amylases are used in the manufacture of laundry detergent.

Rice. 30. The study of the vital activity of microbes allows scientists to apply some of their properties for the benefit of man.

The importance of bacteria in human life is enormous. Beneficial bacteria have been constant companions of man for many millennia. The task of mankind is not to disturb this delicate balance that has developed between the microorganisms living inside us and in the environment. The role of bacteria in human life is enormous. Scientists are constantly discovering the beneficial properties of microorganisms, the use of which in everyday life and in production is limited only by their properties.

Articles in the section "What do we know about microbes"Most popular

Bacteria are microorganisms that consist of only one cell. A characteristic feature of bacteria is the absence of a clearly defined nucleus. That is why they are called "prokaryotes", which means - nuclear-free.

About ten thousand species of bacteria are now known to science, but there is an assumption that there are more than a million species of bacteria on earth. Bacteria are believed to be the oldest organisms on Earth. They live almost everywhere - in water, soil, atmosphere and inside other organisms.

Appearance

Bacteria are very small and can only be seen with a microscope. The form of bacteria is quite diverse. The most common forms are in the form of sticks, balls and spirals.

Rod-shaped bacteria are called "bacilli".

Bacteria in the form of balls are cocci.

Bacteria in the form of spirals are spirilla.

The shape of a bacterium determines its mobility and ability to attach to a particular surface.

The structure of bacteria

Bacteria have a fairly simple structure. These organisms have several basic structures - the nucleoid, cytoplasm, membrane and cell wall, in addition, many bacteria have flagella on the surface.

Nucleoid- This is a kind of nucleus, it contains the genetic material of the bacterium. It consists of only one chromosome, which looks like a ring.

Cytoplasm surrounds the nucleoid. The cytoplasm contains important structures - ribosomes, necessary for bacteria to synthesize proteins.

Membrane, covering the cytoplasm from the outside, plays an important role in the life of the bacterium. It delimits the internal contents of the bacterium from the external environment and ensures the processes of cell exchange with the environment.

Outside, the membrane is surrounded cell wall.

The number of flagella can be different. Depending on the species, one bacterium has from one to a thousand flagella, but there are bacteria without them. Bacteria need flagella to move in space.

Bacteria nutrition

Bacteria have two types of nutrition. Some of the bacteria are autotrophs and the other are heterotrophs.

Autotrophs themselves create nutrients through chemical reactions, while heterotrophs feed on organic substances that other organisms have created.

Reproduction of bacteria

Bacteria reproduce by division. Before the division process, the chromosome located inside the bacterium doubles. Then the cell is divided in two. The result is two identical daughter cells, each of which receives a copy of the mother's chromosome.

Importance of bacteria

Bacteria play an important role in the cycle of substances in nature - they turn organic residues into inorganic substances. If there were no bacteria, then the whole earth would be covered with fallen trees, fallen leaves and dead animals.

Bacteria play a dual role in human life. Some bacteria are of great benefit, while others cause significant harm.

Many bacteria are pathogenic and cause various diseases, such as diphtheria, typhoid, plague, tuberculosis, cholera, and others.

However, there are bacteria that benefit people. So in the human digestive system live bacteria that contribute to normal digestion. And lactic acid bacteria have long been used by people for the production of lactic acid products - cheeses, yogurt, kefir, etc. Bacteria also play an important role in the fermentation of vegetables and the production of vinegar.

Bacteria summary.

For many years, we considered microbes to be dangerous enemies that need to be disposed of, but in fact, everything is not as simple and unambiguous as we used to think.

Microbiologist from Chicago Jack Gilbert I decided to find out if the microbes that inhabit our homes are so dangerous. To do this, he explored several houses, including his own.
The specialist came to the same conclusion as many modern scientists. No matter how strange and regrettable it may sound, the main source of bacteria in the house is the person himself. So the fight for the cleanliness of all items in the house is the same as fighting windmills.
Jack found that each person has their own unique set of microbes, and it is enough for them to stay indoors for several hours to leave an easily identifiable bacterial trail - like fingerprints. This discovery will undoubtedly help law enforcement agencies.
However, with regard to the domestic side of the issue, Gilbert did not find truly dangerous microorganisms in the dwellings of the twenty-first century.
According to the scientist, for so many centuries humanity has become accustomed to living in a dangerous world, when many people died from terrible diseases. When people learned about the nature of bacteria, they began to fight them. Of course, today we live in a much safer and healthier environment. But in their fight against microbes, people often go too far, forgetting that along with harmful ones, there are also useful ones.
“The causes of asthma, allergies, and many other diseases, as studies show, most likely lie in a violation of the microbial balance of the body. This imbalance has been found to be connected even with obesity, autism and schizophrenia!”, says the American scientist.
Another important point is that immediately after cleaning, the clean surface is the first to be inhabited by pathogenic microbes. That is, the more you clean and disinfect, the dirtier and more dangerous the room becomes. Of course, over time, the balance is established when good microbes take their place.
Gilbert is sure that one should not interfere so zealously in natural processes. After research, he himself got three dogs at home to help him and, most importantly, children maintain microbial diversity.

How will you react if you find out that in your body the total weight of bacteria is from 1 to 2.5 kilograms?
Most likely, this will cause surprise and shock. Most people believe that bacteria are dangerous and can cause serious harm to the life of the body. Yes, this is true, but there are, in addition to dangerous, also beneficial bacteria, moreover, vital for human health.

They exist within us, taking a huge part in various metabolic processes. Actively participate in the proper functioning of life processes, both in the internal and external environment of our body. These bacteria include bifidobacteria Rhizobium and E. coli, and many others.

Beneficial bacteria
We live in a world densely populated by bacteria. For example, in a soil layer 30 cm thick and 1 ha in area contains from 1.5 to 30 tons of bacteria. There are almost as many bacteria in each gram of fresh milk as there are people on Earth. They also live inside our body. There are hundreds of different types of bacteria in the human mouth. For every cell in the human body, there are about ten cells of bacteria living in the same body.

Of course, if all these bacteria were harmful to humans, it is unlikely that humans would be able to survive in such an environment. But it turns out that these bacteria are not only not harmful to humans, but, on the contrary, are very beneficial to them.

In a newborn child, the intestinal mucosa is sterile. With the first sip of milk, microscopic "residents" rush into the human digestive system, becoming his companions for life. They help a person digest food, produce some vitamins.

Many animals need bacteria to live. For example, plants are known to serve as food for ungulates and rodents. The bulk of any plant is fiber (cellulose). But it turns out that bacteria that live in special sections of the stomach and intestines help animals digest fiber.

We know putrefactive bacteria spoil food. But this harm that they bring to man is nothing compared to the benefits that they bring to nature as a whole. These bacteria can be called "natural orderlies". By decomposing proteins and amino acids, they support the cycle of substances in nature.

Bacteria help find uses for animal waste. From the millions of tons of liquid manure accumulated on farms, bacteria in special facilities can produce combustible "swamp gas" (methane). Toxic substances contained in the waste are neutralized, in addition, a considerable amount of fuel is produced. Similarly, bacteria purify wastewater.

All living organisms need nitrogen to make proteins. We are surrounded by real oceans of atmospheric nitrogen. But neither plants, nor animals, nor fungi can absorb nitrogen directly from the air. But this can be done by special (nitrogen-fixing) bacteria. Some plants (for example, legumes, sea buckthorn) form special “apartments” (nodules) on their roots for such bacteria. Therefore, alfalfa, peas, lupins and other legumes are often planted on poor or depleted soils so that their bacteria "feed" the soil with nitrogen.

Yogurt, cheese, sour cream, butter, kefir, sauerkraut, pickled vegetables - all these products would not exist if there were no lactic acid bacteria . Man has been using them since ancient times. By the way, curdled milk is digested three times faster than milk - in an hour the body completely digests 90% of this product. Without lactic acid bacteria, there would be no silage for livestock feed.

It is known that if you store wine for a long time, it gradually turns into vinegar. People have probably known about this since they learned how to make wine. But only in the XIX century. Louis Pasteur (see Art. " Louis Pasteur") found that this transformation is caused by acetic acid bacteria that got into the wine. They use them to make vinegar.

Various bacteria help a person to make silk, produce coffee, tobacco.
One of the most promising ways to use bacteria was discovered only towards the end of the 20th century. It turns out that it is possible to introduce into the body of a bacterium the gene of some protein that a person needs (although it is completely unnecessary for a bacterium) - for example, the gene for insulin. Then the bacterium will begin to produce it. The applied science that makes such operations possible is called genetic engineering. After a long and difficult search, scientists managed to establish a bacterial "production" of this substance (insulin), which is vital for diabetics. In the future, it will probably be possible to turn bacteria into microscopic "factories" for the production of certain proteins on demand.