Chapter 7, Section 2

Bacteria in Your Life

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 Helpful Bacteria
• Anaerobic bacteria in your intestines help in
digestion and producing Vitamin K.
• Other bacteria produce antibiotics that fight
bacterial disease.
• Antiseptic produced by bacteria slow down
the reproduction of other bacteria.
• Saprophytic bacteria helps return nutrients
back to the environment by decomposing
organic matter.
 Bioremediation
• Bacteria use to clean up or remove
environmental pollutants
– Used in sewage plants to break down waste
– Use in oil spills to clean up the environment
 Bacteria and food
• Some bacterial used in dairy products
• Sauerkraut (cabbage and bacteria)
• Soy sauce, vinegar, pickles, olives
 Are yeast bacteria?
• NO, “The most significant difference is that Yeasts are Eukaryotic cells
and Bacteria are Prokaryotic cells. What this basically means is that Yeasts
have their DNA contained within a nucleus. Bacteria lack a nucleus and
their DNA is more or less "loose" within their cytoplasm.” yahoo

• “Fungus is a member of a large group of eukaryotic

organisms that includes microorganisms such as yeasts and
molds , as well as the more familiar mushrooms.” Wikipedia
• Fungus causing fermentation, used in brewing alcoholic
beverages and as a leaven in baking bread (definition)
 Bioreactors
• Large carefully controlled containers to grow
bacteria to produce;
– Medicines
– Enzymes
– Cleansers
– Adhesive
– Methane – sewage plants
 Harmful Bacteria
• Pathogen – any organism that causes disease
• How bacteria cause disease?
– Damaging normal cells
– Dormant as spores that later produce disease
– Producing toxins (poisonous substances)
• Botulism – can food