Question

Describe the importance of microbes in human welfare.

Answer 1

Hint: Microbes are tiny living organisms found all around us and are too small to be seen by naked eyes. They live in soil, air and in water.

Microbes are a very important component of life on earth. Not all microbes are pathogenic. Many microbes are very useful to human beings. We use microbes and microbial-derived products almost every day.

Complete answer:

Use of microbes in household products-
Bacteria called lactic acid bacteria (LAB) grow in milk to convert it into curd. The dough, which is used to make bread, is fermented by a yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Certain dishes such as idli and dosa, are made from dough fermented by microbes. Bacteria and fungi are used to impart particular texture, taste and flavour to the cheese,
Use of microbes in Industrial Products -
Chemicals and Enzymes - Microbes are used to produce industrial products like lactic acid and acetic acid which are used in a variety of processes in the industry.
Antibiotics- Antibiotics like penicillins produced by useful microbes are used to kill disease-causing harmful microbes. Antibiotics have played a major role in controlling infectious diseases like diphtheria, whooping cough and pneumonia.
Use of microbes in Sewage Treatment -
For more than a hundred years, microbes are being used to treat sewage by the process of activated sludge formation and this helps in recycling of water in nature. Methanogens produce methane (biogas) while degrading paint waste. Biogas produced by microbes is used as a source of energy in rural areas.
Microbes can also be used to kill pests, a process called biocontrol. The biocontrol measures help us to avoid the heavy use of toxic pesticides for controlling pests. There is a need these days to push for use of biofertilizers in place of chemical fertilisers. It is clear from the diverse uses human beings have put microbes to that they play an important role in the welfare of human society.

Note: There is a need these days to push for use of biofertilizers in place of chemical fertilisers. It is clear from the diverse uses human beings have put microbes to that they play an important role in the welfare of human society.