Where and what are microorganisms used for? The role of bacteria in human life and in nature
Everyone knows that bacteria are the most ancient inhabitants of the planet Earth. They appeared, according to scientific data, from three to four billion years ago. And for a long time they were the only and full owners of the Earth. We can say that it all started with bacteria. Roughly speaking, the genealogy of all is from them. So the role of bacteria in human life and nature (its formation) is very significant.
Ode to bacteria
Their structure is very primitive - for the most part they are unicellular organisms, which, obviously, have changed little over such a very long time. They are unpretentious and can survive in extreme conditions for other organisms (heating up to 90 degrees, freezing, a rarefied atmosphere, the deepest ocean). They live everywhere - in water, soil, underground, in the air, inside other living organisms. And in one gram of soil, for example, hundreds of millions of bacteria can be found. Truly almost ideal creatures that exist next to us. The role of bacteria in human life and nature is great.
Creators of oxygen
Did you know that, most likely, without the existence of these small organisms, we would simply suffocate? Because they (mainly cyanobacteria, capable of releasing oxygen as a result of photosynthesis), due to their abundance, produce a huge amount of oxygen entering the atmosphere. This becomes especially relevant in connection with the deforestation of strategically important forests for the entire Earth. And some other bacteria release carbon dioxide, which is essential for plant respiration. But the role of bacteria in human life and nature is not limited to this. There are several more "activities" for which bacteria can be safely given
Orderlies
In nature, one of the functions of bacteria is sanitary. They eat dead cells and organisms, utilizing the unnecessary. It turns out that bacteria for all living things on the planet work as a kind of janitors. In science, this phenomenon is called saprotrophy.
Circulation of substances
And another important role is participation in a planetary scale. In nature, all substances pass from organism to organism. Sometimes they are in the atmosphere, sometimes in the soil, maintaining a large-scale cycle. Without bacteria, these ingredients could be concentrated somewhere in one place, and the great cycles would be interrupted. This happens, for example, with a substance such as nitrogen.
Lactic acid products
Milk is a product known to people for a long time. But its long-term storage has become possible only recently with the invention of conservation methods and refrigeration. And since the dawn of cattle breeding, man has unknowingly used bacteria to ferment milk and produce fermented milk products with a longer shelf life than milk itself. So, for example, dry kefir could be stored for months and used as a hearty meal during long transitions through desert areas. In this regard, the role of bacteria in human life is invaluable. After all, if these organisms are “offered” milk, they will be able to produce a lot of tasty and irreplaceable food products from it. Among them: yogurt, curdled milk, fermented baked milk, sour cream, cottage cheese, cheese. Kefir, of course, is made mainly by fungi, but it can’t do without the participation of bacteria.
Great chefs
But the "food-forming" role of bacteria in human life is not limited to fermented milk products. There are many more familiar to us products that are produced with the help of these organisms. These are sauerkraut, pickled (barrel) cucumbers, pickles loved by many and other products.
The best neighbors in the world
Bacteria is the most numerous kingdom of animal organisms in nature. They live everywhere - around us, on us, even - inside us! And they are very useful "neighbors" for a person. So, for example, bifidobacteria strengthen our immunity, increase the body's resistance to many diseases, help digestion and do a lot of other necessary things. Thus, the role of bacteria in human life as good "neighbors" is just as invaluable.
Production of the necessary substances
Scientists were able to work with bacteria in such a way that as a result they began to secrete substances that are necessary for humans. Often these substances are drugs. So the therapeutic role of bacteria in human life is also great. Some modern medicines are made by them or based on their action.
The role of bacteria in industry
Bacteria are great biochemists! This property is widely used in modern industry. So, for example, in recent decades, biogas production in some countries has reached serious proportions.
Negative and positive role of bacteria
But these microscopic unicellular organisms can be not only helpers of a person and coexist with him in complete harmony and peace. The biggest danger that they are fraught with is infectious. Settling inside us, poisoning the tissues of our body, they are certainly harmful, sometimes fatal to humans. Among the most famous dangerous diseases caused by bacteria are plague, cholera. Less dangerous are angina and pneumonia, for example. Thus, some bacteria can pose a significant danger to humans if they are pathogenic. Therefore, scientists and doctors of all times and peoples are trying to "keep under control" these harmful microorganisms.
Food spoilage by bacteria
If the meat is rotten, and the soup is sour, for sure, this is the “handiwork” of bacteria! They start up there and actually "eat" these products before us. After that, for a person, these dishes no longer represent nutritional value. It remains only to throw away!
Results
When answering the question of what role bacteria play in human life, both positive and negative points can be distinguished. However, it is obvious that the positive properties of bacteria are much greater than the negative ones. It's all about the reasonable control of man over this numerous kingdom.
Modern biotechnology is based on many sciences: genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, natural science. The main object of their study are bacteria and microorganisms. It is the use of bacteria that solves many problems in biotechnology. Today, the scope of their use in human life is so wide and varied that it makes an invaluable contribution to the development of such industries as:
- medicine and health care;
- animal husbandry;
- crop production;
- fish industry;
- food industry;
- mining and energy;
- heavy and light industry;
- septic tank;
- ecology.
The field of application of bacteria in pharmacology and medicine is so wide and significant that their role in the treatment of many diseases in humans is simply invaluable. In our life, they are necessary when creating blood substitutes, antibiotics, amino acids, enzymes, antiviral and anticancer drugs, DNA samples for diagnostics, hormonal drugs.
Scientists have made an invaluable contribution to medicine by identifying the gene responsible for the hormone insulin. By implanting it into the coli bacteria, they got the production of insulin, saving the lives of many patients. Japanese scientists have discovered bacteria that secrete a substance that destroys plaque, thereby preventing the appearance of caries in humans.
From thermophilic bacteria, a gene is derived that encodes enzymes that are of value in scientific research, since they are insensitive to high temperatures. In the production of vitamins in medicine, the microorganism Clostridium is used, while obtaining riboflavin, which plays an important role in human health.
The ability of bacteria to produce antibacterial substances was used in the creation of antibiotics, solving the problem of treating many infectious diseases, thereby saving the life of more than one person.
In pharmacology, the creation of drugs and synthetic vaccines, which include immunoregulators, alkaloids, nucleotides and enzymes, is also impossible without microorganisms.
animal husbandry
To increase weight gain and increase the growth rate of young individuals, protein-vitamin supplements, enzymes are used, their producers are photosynthetic bacteria. Thus reducing feed consumption and increasing productivity. In the production of silage, E.coli commune, Lactis aerogenes, which are lactic acid microorganisms, are used. The essential amino acid lysine, used as a food additive in animal husbandry, is produced from bacteria such as Corynebacterium glutamicum, Brevibacterium sp, and Escherichia coli.
The use of bacteria is common in the creation of highly productive breeds, growth hormones and transplantation of a fertilized cell. Preparations created on the basis of Bac. subtilis and Bac. Licheniformis are used in veterinary medicine in the treatment of many diseases.
Agricultural industry
The use of pesticides and fertilizers in the agricultural sector leads to a negative impact on soil microflora. Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are used to destroy harmful substances.
The use of bacterial fertilizers helps to increase yields. Nitrogen-retaining bacterial preparations are obtained from Klebsiella and Chromatium cells. This enables the plants to absorb the nitrogen contained in the air. Phosphobacterin is obtained from Bacillus megathrtium, which increases the content of phosphorus in the soil and nitrogen in the green mass. As a bioprotection of plants from various pests, microbiological preparations based on bacteria have been developed that do not harm humans.
Fish industry
Biotechnologies used in fish farms make it possible to create fish breeds that are resistant to many diseases and breeds with high growth rates. Also, feed additives, enzymes and medicines are made from the bacteria produced in the fishing industry.
food industry
Widespread use of biotechnology in the fermentation and food industries. The use of lactic acid bacteria in the manufacture of kefir, koumiss and fermented milk products improves their taste and digestibility. This is achieved by the fact that the secreted enzymes decompose milk sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide. To improve the quality of confectionery products and preserve the freshness of bakery products in the food industry, enzymes produced from Bac.subtilis are used.
Extraction and processing of minerals
The use of biotechnologies in the extractive industry can significantly reduce costs and energy costs. Thus, the use of lithotrophic bacteria (Thiobacillus ferrooxidous), with their ability to oxidize iron, is used in hydrometallurgy. Due to bacterial leaching, precious metals are mined from low-bearing rocks. Methane-containing bacteria are used to increase oil production. When oil is extracted in the usual way, no more than half of the natural reserves are extracted from the bowels, and with the help of microorganisms, more efficient release of reserves occurs.
Light and heavy industry
Microbiological leaching is used in old mines to produce zinc, nickel, copper, cobalt. In the mining industry, bacterial sulfates are used for reduction reactions in old mines, since sulfuric acid residues have a destructive effect on supports, materials and the environment. Anaerobic microorganisms contribute to the thorough decomposition of organic matter. This property is used for water purification in the metallurgical industry.
A person uses bacteria in the production of wool, artificial leather, textile raw materials, for perfumery and cosmetic purposes.
Waste and water treatment
The bacteria involved in decomposition are used to clean septic tanks. The basis of this method is that microorganisms feed on sewage. This method ensures the removal of odor and disinfection of wastewater. Microorganisms used in septic tanks are grown in laboratories. The result of their action is determined by the breakdown of organic matter into simple substances that are harmless to the environment. Depending on the type of septic tank, anaerobic or aerobic microorganisms are selected. Aerobic microorganisms, in addition to septic tanks, are used in biofilters.
Microorganisms are also needed to maintain the quality of water in reservoirs and drains, to clean the polluted surface of the seas and oceans from oil products.
With the development of biotechnology in our lives, humanity has stepped forward in almost all areas of its activity.
These are primitive unicellular living organisms. They are ubiquitous: on the surface or inside other organisms (animals, plants, humans), they are found in large numbers in soil, water bodies. Directly or indirectly, bacteria play an important role in human life.
One of the living environments of bacteria are other living organisms, including humans. The relationships that arise in this case may be different. There are bacteria that are beneficial. So, bacteria (for example, Escherichia coli) live in the human intestine, which contribute to the processes of digestion, synthesize some vitamins and prevent the activity of pathogenic bacteria. In case of excessive use of antibacterial drugs, these beneficial bacteria die, which negatively affects health. The very same E. coli, due to the settlement in the human intestine, is constantly provided with nutrients.
Bacteria also live in the intestines of domestic ruminants, which form the basis of animal husbandry (cows, goats, sheep). Ruminants eat plant foods rich in fiber, but are unable to digest fiber on their own. This function is performed by bacteria.
Pathogenic bacteria can also be carried by blood-sucking insects. So, the causative agent of the plague is carried by fleas, and typhus by lice.
In humans, bacteria cause diseases such as tonsillitis, diphtheria, tuberculosis, typhus, dysentery, cholera, and many others, in animals - brucellosis, anthrax, etc. Bacterial diseases are treated with antibiotics and other medicines.
Bacteria are widely used in the human economy. So, since ancient times, man has been using the ability of some bacteria to cause fermentation to obtain certain products: lactic acid products (yogurts, cheeses, kefir), butyric and acetic acids, etc. Without bacteria, it is impossible to tan leather and make flax fiber.
Certain groups of bacteria are also used in the microbiological industry to obtain antibiotics, vitamins, and some other substances. In agriculture, they are used for ensiling green fodder.
One of the most important problems of our time is wastewater treatment. Bacteria are used in sewage treatment plants to decompose organic residues. In addition, by studying the number and species composition of bacteria in water, it is possible to determine the degree of pollution of water bodies. With the help of some bacteria, a person fights against blood-sucking animals, pests of agriculture and forestry. Special bacterial preparations have been invented that affect only certain types of harmful bacteria.
Bacteria can harm human activities, for example, spoil food. At the same time, bacteria produce toxic substances that can poison the body of a person or animal if they eat spoiled foods. For example, botulism bacillus can develop in canned meat and vegetable products, fish, and sausages, if the strict rules of the technological process are not followed during canning. To completely get rid of bacteria in food products intended for long-term storage, they are sterilized or pasteurized.
Microorganisms and their metabolic products are currently widely used in industry, agriculture, and medicine.
History of the use of microorganisms
As far back as 1000 BC, the Romans, Phoenicians and people of other early civilizations were extracting copper from mine waters or water seeping through ore bodies. In the 17th century Welsh in England (county of Wales) and in the XVIII century. the Spaniards at the Rio Tinto deposit used this "leaching" process to extract copper from minerals containing it. These ancient miners did not even suspect that bacteria played an active role in such metal extraction processes. Currently, this process, known as bacterial leaching, is used on a large scale throughout the world to extract copper from poor ores containing this and other valuable metals in small quantities. Biological leaching is also used (albeit less widely) to release uranium. Numerous studies have been carried out on the nature of organisms involved in the processes of metal leaching, their biochemical properties and possibilities of application in this field. The results of these studies show, in particular, that bacterial leaching can be widely used in the mining industry and, apparently, will be able to fully satisfy the need for energy-saving, environmentally friendly technologies.
Somewhat less well known, but just as important, is the use of microorganisms in the mining industry to extract metals from solutions. Some progressive technologies already include biological processes to obtain metals in a dissolved state or in the form of solid particles "from the washing waters left over from the processing of ores. The ability of microorganisms to accumulate metals has long been known, and enthusiasts have long dreamed of using microbes to extract valuable metals from sea water. The research carried out dispelled some hopes and largely determined the areas of application of microorganisms. Metal recovery with their participation remains a promising way to treat metal-contaminated industrial effluents cheaply, as well as economically obtain valuable metals.
It has long been known about the ability of microorganisms to synthesize polymeric compounds; in fact, most of the components of a cell are polymers. However, today less than 1% of the total amount of polymeric materials is produced by the microbiological industry; the remaining 99% is obtained from oil. So far, biotechnology has not had a decisive impact on polymer technology. Perhaps in the future, with the help of microorganisms, it will be possible to create new materials for special purposes.
Another important aspect of the use of microorganisms in chemical analysis should be noted - the concentration and isolation of trace elements from dilute solutions. By consuming and assimilating microelements in the course of their vital activity, microorganisms can selectively accumulate some of them in their cells, while purifying nutrient solutions from impurities. For example, fungi are used to selectively precipitate gold from chloride solutions.
Modern Applications
Microbial biomass is used as livestock feed. The microbial biomass of some crops is used in the form of various starter cultures that are used in the food industry. So the preparation of bread, beer, wine, spirits, vinegar, fermented milk products, cheeses and many products. Another important direction is the use of waste products of microorganisms. By the nature of these substances and by their importance for the producer, waste products can be divided into three groups.
1 group are large molecules with a molecular weight. These include various enzymes (lipases, etc.) and polysaccharides. Their use is extremely wide - from the food and textile industries to the oil industry.
2 group- these are primary methanobolites, which include substances necessary for the growth and development of the cell itself: amino acids, organic acids, vitamins, and others.
3 group- secondary methanobolites. These include: antibiotics, toxins, alkaloids, growth factors, etc. An important area of biotechnology is the use of microorganisms as biotechnical agents for the conversion or transformation of certain substances, purification of water, soil or air from pollutants. Microorganisms also play an important role in oil production. In the traditional way, no more than 50% of oil is extracted from the oil reservoir. The waste products of bacteria, accumulating in the reservoir, contribute to the displacement of oil and its more complete release to the surface.
The huge role of microorganisms in creating the maintenance and preservation of soil fertility. They take part in the formation of soil humus - humus. They are used to increase crop yields.
In recent years, another fundamentally new direction in biotechnology has begun to develop - cell-free biotechnology.
The selection of microorganisms is based on the fact that microorganisms are of great benefit in industry, in agriculture, in the animal and plant world.
Other applications
In medicine
Traditional methods of vaccine production are based on the use of weakened or killed pathogens. Currently, many new vaccines (for example, for the prevention of influenza, hepatitis B) are obtained by genetic engineering. Antiviral vaccines are obtained by introducing into the microbial cell the genes of viral proteins that exhibit the greatest immunogenicity. When cultivated, such cells synthesize a large amount of viral proteins, which are subsequently included in the composition of vaccine preparations. More efficient production of viral proteins in animal cell cultures based on recombinant DNA technology.
In oil production:
In recent years, methods of enhanced oil recovery using microorganisms have been developed. Their perspective is connected, first of all, with ease of implementation, minimal capital intensity and environmental safety. In the 1940s, research began in many oil-producing countries on the use of microorganisms to stimulate production wells and restore injectivity of injection wells.
In food and chemical industry:
The most well-known industrial products of microbial synthesis include: acetone, alcohols (ethanol, butanol, isopropanol, glycerin), organic acids (citric, acetic, lactic, gluconic, itaconic, propionic), flavorings and substances that enhance odors (monosodium glutamate). The demand for the latter is constantly increasing due to the trend towards low-calorie and plant-based foods to add variety to the taste and smell of food. Aromatic substances of plant origin can be produced by the expression of plant genes in microorganism cells.
Due to the wide variety of enzymes synthesized, microorganisms can perform many chemical processes more efficiently and economically than if these processes were carried out by chemical methods. The study of the biochemical activity of microorganisms made it possible to select the conditions for their maximum activity as producers of various useful enzymes - causative agents of the necessary chemical reactions and processes. Microorganisms are increasingly used in various branches of the chemical and food industries, agriculture, and medicine.
In our country, a new branch of industry has been created and is successfully developing - microbiological, all production of which is based on the activity of microorganisms.
Microorganisms with which food is produced are called cultural. They are obtained from pure cultures, which are isolated from individual cells. The latter are kept in museum collections and supplied to various industries.
As a result of chemical reactions carried out by cultural microorganisms, plant or animal raw materials are converted into food products. With the help of microorganisms, many vital foodstuffs are obtained, and although their manufacture has been familiar to man since ancient times, the role of microorganisms in it has been discovered relatively recently.
Bakery production.
Baking is based on the activity of yeast and lactic acid bacteria that develop in the dough. The combined action of these microorganisms leads to the fermentation of flour sugars. Yeast causes alcoholic fermentation, lactic acid bacteria - lactic acid. The resulting lactic and other acids acidify the dough, maintaining an optimal pH level for the vital activity of the yeast. Carbon dioxide loosens the dough and accelerates its maturation.
The use of cultural microorganisms in the form of pressed baker's yeast, dried or liquid starter cultures improves the taste and aroma of bread.
Cheese production.
Cheese making is based on the activity of many types of microorganisms: lactic acid (thermophilic streptococcus), propionic acid bacteria, etc. Under the action of lactic acid bacteria, lactic acid accumulates and milk fermentation occurs, and cheese ripens under the action of other beneficial microorganisms. Some fungi are also involved in this process. Rennet and lactic acid bacteria produce a deep breakdown of proteins, sugar and fat. Various bacteria cause the accumulation of volatile acids in sharp cheeses, giving them a specific flavor.
Obtaining dairy products.
Cottage cheese, sour cream, butter, acidophilus, curdled milk are prepared on pure cultures using various starter cultures. Milk is pasteurized beforehand. For the production of cottage cheese and sour cream, mesophilic lactic acid bacteria are used; ryazhenka, varenets and similar products - thermophilic streptococci and Bulgarian stick; acidophilus - acid-resistant lactic acid bacteria; kefir - multi-component starter cultures, consisting of yeast, lactic acid and often acetic acid bacteria. For the manufacture of sour cream butter, a starter of lactic acid bacteria is introduced into pasteurized cream and kept to the required acidity.
Brewing, alcohol, alcoholic beverage and wine production.
Wine, beer, kvass, vodka and other drinks are prepared using yeast that causes alcoholic fermentation of sugar-containing liquids. As a result of the fermentation of a liquid (wort, mash, juice, etc.), alcohol, CO 2 and minor amounts of by-products are formed. An auxiliary role is played by lactic acid bacteria: they acidify the environment and facilitate the activity of yeast (for example, in the production of kvass). In the production of alcohol and beer, enzymatic preparations of fungal and bacterial origin are also used to saccharify congestion.
Pickling and salting.
The essence of this method of conservation is to create conditions for the predominant development of some microorganisms - lactic acid bacteria and suppress the development of others - putrefactive bacteria. Cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes, apples, watermelons are fermented. This method is also used when storing livestock feed for long-term storage - green mass is fermented from grasses, plant residues, etc. This process is called forage ensiling.
Obtaining organic acids.
Acetic, lactic and citric acids are also produced with the help of microorganisms. Lactic acid is obtained by fermentation from sugar-containing raw materials - molasses, starch, whey, etc.
Lactic acid bacteria are grown on media containing up to 15% sugar. The output of lactic acid reaches 60-70% of the mass of sugar contained in the mash.
Industrial production of vinegar for food purposes is based on acetic fermentation. Acetic acid bacteria in special vats on beech chips oxidize the incoming nutrient medium - an acetic-alcohol solution - to acetic acid.
Citric acid was previously obtained from citrus fruits. Currently, it is also obtained by fermentation. The causative agent of fermentation is the fungus Aspergillus niger, the main raw material is molasses. Fermentation takes place in a solution containing 15% sugar under aerobic conditions at a temperature of about 30 °C. Citric acid is used in the confectionery industry, the production of soft drinks, syrups, cooking and medicine.