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What bacteria are they called? The structure and activity of bacteria. Brief characteristics of streptomycetes, nodule bacteria and cyanobacteria

Beneficial bacteria perform two of the most important environmental functions - they fix nitrogen and participate in the mineralization of organic residues. The role of bacteria in nature is global character. 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 completely ensure his life.

Bacteria are quite simple. Scientists suggest that they were the first to appear 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 refined over centuries.

As scientists have calculated, the human body contains from 500 to 1000 different types of bacteria or trillions of these amazing inhabitants, which amounts to up to 4 kg of total weight. Up to 3 kilograms of microbial bodies are found only in the intestines. The rest of them are found in the genitourinary 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 the age of 10-13 years.

The intestines are inhabited by streptococci, lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, enterobacteria, fungi, intestinal viruses, and non-pathogenic protozoa. 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 the habitat, they suppress the growth of bacteria that cause rotting and fermentation.
Thanks to bifidobacteria, the risk of developing food allergies in babies is reduced.
They provide antioxidant and antitumor effects.
Bifidobacteria take part in the synthesis of vitamin C.
Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli take part in the absorption of vitamin D, calcium and iron.

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

Escherichia coli

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

Particular attention is paid to the representative of this genus Escherichia coli M17. It is capable of producing the substance cocilin, which inhibits the growth of a number of pathogenic microbes.
With the participation of 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 (three-dimensional 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.
Thanks to this, undigested food components from the upper intestines are broken down - starch, cellulose, protein and fat fractions.
Intestinal microflora maintains water-salt metabolism and ion homeostasis.
Thanks to the secretion of special substances, the intestinal microflora suppresses the growth of pathogenic bacteria that cause rotting 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.
Intestinal microflora plays a big 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’s body, 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 is nourished by substances undigested by the enzymatic system, which come from the upper sections gastrointestinal tract. As a result of complex biochemical reactions, a huge amount of thermal energy is produced. Heat is carried through the bloodstream throughout the body and enters everything. internal organs. This is why a person always freezes when fasting.
Intestinal microflora regulates the reabsorption of bile acid components (cholesterol), hormones, etc.

Rice. 3. The photo shows beneficial bacteria - lactobacilli (three-dimensional computer image).

The role of bacteria in nitrogen production

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

Urobacteria decompose urea, which humans and all animals on the planet excrete every day. 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 nitrophification.

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

Rice. 4. The photo shows beneficial bacteria - ammonifying microbes. They subject 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 beneficial bacteria produce up to 90% of fixed nitrogen and involve up to 180 million tons of nitrogen in the soil nitrogen pool.

Nodule bacteria coexist well with legumes and sea buckthorn.

Plants such as alfalfa, peas, lupine 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 a root hair of a legume plant.

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

Rice. 7. The photo shows beneficial bacteria - 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 contained in the fiber that animals eat. In their stomach, fiber decomposes under the influence of microbes and then gets out in the form of manure.

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, and the mass of processed wood is yellow.

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

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

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

Sulfur bacteria live in water and soil. There are a lot of them in manure. They participate in the process of mineralization of sulfur-containing substances of organic origin. During the decomposition of organic sulfur-containing substances, hydrogen sulfide gas is released, which is extremely toxic to the environment, including all living things. As a result of their vital activity, sulfur bacteria convert 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 types that can only be found in this place.

Rice. 10. Green sulfur bacteria in Winogradsky’s 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 the cleaners (sanitors) of the planet Earth. With their help, the organic substances of dead plants and animals are converted into humus, which soil microorganisms convert into mineral salts, so necessary for the construction of 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 pectin substances

The cells of plant organisms are bonded to each other (cemented) by 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 fiber (flax, hemp).

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

The role of bacteria in water purification

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

Recently, a group of scientists from different countries discovered bacteria that destroy detergents found in synthetic detergents and some medications.

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. A system of tubes keeps them on life support.

Use of bacteria in ore dressing

Ability thione sulfur-oxidizing bacteria used for enrichment of copper and uranium ores.

Rice. 15. The photo shows beneficial bacteria - Thiobacilli and Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (electron micrograph). They are capable of extracting copper ions to leach waste that is formed during the flotation concentration of sulfide ores.

The role of bacteria in butyric acid fermentation

Butyric acid 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 acid fermentation is caused by anaerobic spore-forming bacteria belonging to the genus Clostridium. They are capable of fermenting various sugars, alcohols, organic acids, starch, and fiber.

Rice. 16. The photo shows butyric acid microorganisms (computer visualization).

The role of bacteria in animal life

Many species of the animal world feed on plants, the basis of which is fiber. Special microbes, located in certain parts of the gastrointestinal tract, help animals digest fiber (cellulose).

The importance of bacteria in animal husbandry

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

Rice. 17. Methane gas as fuel for cars.

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 soaking apples and pickling vegetables;
they give a special aroma to wines;
produce lactic acid, which ferments milk. This property is used for the production of curdled milk and sour cream;
when preparing cheeses and yoghurts on an industrial scale;
During the brining process, lactic acid serves as a preservative.

Lactic acid bacteria include milk streptococci, creamy streptococci, Bulgarian, acidophilus, grain thermophilic and cucumber bacilli. Bacteria of the genus streptococci and lactobacilli give products a thicker consistency. As a result of their vital activity, the quality of cheeses improves. They give the cheese a certain cheesy aroma.

Rice. 18. The photo shows beneficial bacteria - lactobacilli (pink), Bulgarian bacillus and thermophilic streptococcus.

Rice. 19. In the photo there are beneficial bacteria - kefir (Tibetan or milk) fungus and lactic acid sticks before being directly added to milk.

Rice. 20. Fermented milk products.

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

Rice. 22. There are many varieties of mold penicillin. The velvety crust, greenish veins, unique taste and medicinal ammonia aroma of the cheeses are unique. Mushroom taste cheeses depends on the place and duration of ripening.

Rice. 23. Bifiliz is a biological product for oral administration containing a mass of living bifidobacteria and lysozyme.

Use of yeast and fungi in the food industry

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

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

Rice. 24. Tea mushroom- This is a friendly symbiosis of vinegar sticks and yeast fungi. It appeared in our area back in the last century.

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

Rice. 26. View of yeast cells Saccharomyces cerevisiae under a microscope 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 and penetrate ripe 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 feed. Silage is a succulent feed with high nutritional value.

The role of bacteria in human life: production of medicines

Studying the life activity of microbes has allowed scientists to use some bacteria to synthesize antibacterial drugs, vitamins, hormones and enzymes.

They help fight many infectious and viral diseases. Most often antibiotics are produced actinomycetes, less often – non-micellar bacteria. Penicillin, obtained from mold fungi, destroys the cell membrane 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 opportunistic microorganisms due to the formation of a number of antimicrobial substances. Bacillus subtilis produces enzymes that destroy substances that are formed as a result of putrefactive tissue decay. They are involved in the synthesis of amino acids, vitamins and immunoactive compounds.

Using genetic engineering technology, 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 Bacillus subtilis (colored blue).

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

Using bacteria to produce safe herbicides

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

Use of bacteria in the production of detergents

Proteases or break down the peptide bonds between the amino acids that make up proteins. Amylase breaks down starch. Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) produces proteases and amylases. Bacterial amylases are used in the production of washing powder.

Rice. 30. Studying the life activity of microbes allows scientists to use some of their properties for the benefit of humans.

The importance of bacteria in human life is enormous. Beneficial bacteria have been constant companions of humans for many millennia. The task of humanity is not to disturb this delicate balance that has developed between microorganisms living inside us and in the environment. The role of bacteria in human life is enormous. Scientists are constantly discovering beneficial features 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

The totality of bacteria inhabiting the human body has common name– microbiota. In a normal, healthy human microflora there are several million bacteria. Each of them plays important role for the normal functioning of the human body.

In the absence of any type of beneficial bacteria, a person begins to get sick, the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract is disrupted. Beneficial bacteria for humans are concentrated on the skin, in the intestines, and on the mucous membranes of the body. The number of microorganisms is regulated by the immune system.

Normally, the human body contains both beneficial and pathogenic microflora. Bacteria can be beneficial or pathogenic.

There are many more beneficial bacteria. They make up 99% of the total number of microorganisms.

In this situation, the necessary balance is maintained.

Among different types bacteria living on the human body can be distinguished:

bifidobacteria;
lactobacilli;
enterococci;
coli.

Bifidobacteria

This type of microorganism is the most common and is involved in the production of lactic acid and acetate. It creates an acidic environment, thereby neutralizing most pathogenic microbes. Pathogenic flora ceases to develop and cause processes of rotting and fermentation.

Bifidobacteria play an important role in a child’s life, since they are responsible for the presence of an allergic reaction to any food product. In addition, they have an antioxidant effect and prevent the development of tumors.

The synthesis of vitamin C is not complete without the participation of bifidobacteria. In addition, there is information that bifidobacteria help to absorb vitamins D and B, which are necessary for a person to function normally. If there is a deficiency of bifidobacteria, even taking synthetic vitamins of this group will not bring any results.

Lactobacilli

This group of microorganisms is also important for human health. Thanks to their interaction with other inhabitants of the intestine, the growth and development of pathogenic microorganisms is blocked and pathogens of intestinal infections are suppressed.

Lactobacilli are involved in the formation of lactic acid, lysocine, and bacteriocins. This is a great help for the immune system. If there is a deficiency of these bacteria in the intestines, then dysbiosis develops very quickly.

Lactobacilli populate not only the intestines, but also the mucous membranes. So these microorganisms are important for women's health. They maintain the acidity of the vaginal environment and prevent development.

Escherichia coli

Not all types of E. coli are pathogenic. Most of them, on the contrary, perform a protective function. The usefulness of the genus lies in the synthesis of cocilin, which actively resists the bulk of pathogenic microflora.

These bacteria are useful for the synthesis of various groups of vitamins, folic and nicotinic acid. Their role in health should not be underestimated. For example, folic acid is essential for the production of red blood cells and maintaining normal hemoglobin levels.

Enterococci

They help absorb sucrose. Living mainly in the small intestine, they, like other beneficial non-pathogenic bacteria, provide protection against excessive proliferation of harmful elements. At the same time, enterococci are considered to be relatively safe bacteria.

If they start to exceed acceptable standards, various bacterial diseases develop. The list of diseases is very long. Starting from intestinal infections, ending with meningococcal.

Positive effects of bacteria on the body

The beneficial properties of non-pathogenic bacteria are very diverse. As long as there is a balance between the inhabitants of the intestines and mucous membranes, the human body functions normally.

Most bacteria are involved in the synthesis and breakdown of vitamins. Without their presence, B vitamins are not absorbed by the intestines, which leads to disorders nervous system, skin diseases, decreased hemoglobin.

The bulk of undigested food components that reach the large intestine are broken down precisely by bacteria. In addition, microorganisms ensure the constancy of water-salt metabolism. More than half of all microflora is involved in the regulation of absorption fatty acids, hormones.

The intestinal microflora forms local immunity. It is here that the bulk of pathogenic organisms are destroyed and the harmful microbe is blocked.

Accordingly, people do not feel bloating and flatulence. An increase in lymphocytes provokes active phagocytes to fight the enemy and stimulate the production of immunoglobulin A.

Beneficial non-pathogenic microorganisms have a positive effect on the walls of the small and large intestines. They maintain a constant level of acidity there, stimulate the lymphoid apparatus, the epithelium becomes resistant to various carcinogens.

Intestinal peristalsis also largely depends on what microorganisms are in it. Suppressing the processes of decay and fermentation is one of the main tasks of bifidobacteria. Many microorganisms develop for many years in symbiosis with pathogenic bacteria, thereby controlling them.

Biochemical reactions that constantly occur with bacteria release a lot of thermal energy, maintaining the overall thermal balance of the body. Microorganisms feed on undigested residues.

Dysbacteriosis

Dysbacteriosis is a change in the quantitative and qualitative composition of bacteria in the human body . In this case, beneficial organisms die, and harmful ones actively reproduce.

Dysbacteriosis affects not only the intestines, but also the mucous membranes (there may be dysbiosis of the oral cavity, vagina). The names that will prevail in the analyzes are: streptococcus, staphylococcus, micrococcus.

In normal conditions, beneficial bacteria regulate the development of pathogenic microflora. The skin and respiratory organs are usually under reliable protection. When the balance is disturbed, a person experiences the following symptoms: intestinal flatulence, bloating, abdominal pain, frustration.

Later, weight loss, anemia, and vitamin deficiency may begin. From the reproductive system are observed copious discharge, often accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Irritation, roughness, and cracks appear on the skin. Dysbacteriosis side effect after taking antibiotics.

If you notice such symptoms, you should definitely consult a doctor, who will prescribe a set of measures to restore normal microflora. This often requires taking probiotics.

The kingdom "Bacteria" consists of bacteria and blue-green algae, general characteristics which lies in the small size and absence of a nucleus separated by a membrane from the cytoplasm.

Who are bacteria

Translated from Greek “bakterion” means stick. For the most part, microbes are single-celled organisms invisible to the naked eye that reproduce by division.

Who discovered them

For the first time, a Dutch researcher who lived in the 17th century, Anthony Van Leeuwenhoek, was able to see the smallest single-celled organisms in a homemade microscope. Study the world through the magnifying glass of a magnifying glass he began while working in a haberdashery store.

Anthony Van Leeuwenhoek (1632 - 1723)

Leeuwenhoek subsequently focused on making lenses capable of magnification up to 300 times. In them he examined the smallest microorganisms, describing the information received and transferring what he saw to paper.

In 1676, Leeuwenhoek discovered and presented information about microscopic creatures, to which he gave the name “animalcules.”

What do they eat?

The smallest microorganisms existed on Earth long before the appearance of humans. They have a ubiquitous distribution, feeding on organic food and inorganic substances.

Based on the methods of assimilation of nutrients, bacteria are usually divided into autotrophic and heterotrophic. For existence and development, heterotrophs use waste products from the organic decomposition of living organisms.

Representatives of bacteria

Biologists have identified about 2,500 groups of different bacteria.

According to their form they are divided into:

cocci having spherical outlines;
bacilli - rod-shaped;
vibrios that have curves;
spirilla – spiral shape;
streptococci, consisting of chains;
staphylococci that form grape-like clusters.

According to the degree of influence on the human body, prokaryotes can be divided into:

useful;
harmful.

Microbes dangerous to humans include staphylococci and streptococci, which cause purulent diseases.

The bacteria bifido and acidophilus are considered beneficial, stimulating the immune system and protecting the gastrointestinal tract.

How do real bacteria reproduce?

Reproduction of all types of prokaryotes occurs mainly by division, followed by growth to the original size. Having reached a certain size, an adult microorganism splits into two parts.

Less commonly, reproduction of similar unicellular organisms is performed by budding and conjugation. When budding on the mother microorganism, up to four new cells grow, followed by the death of the adult part.

Conjugation is considered the simplest sexual process in unicellular organisms. Most often, bacteria that live in animal organisms reproduce in this way.

Bacteria symbionts

Microorganisms involved in digestion in the human intestine are a prime example of symbiont bacteria. Symbiosis was first discovered by the Dutch microbiologist Martin Willem Beijerinck. In 1888, he proved the mutually beneficial close coexistence of unicellular and legume plants.

Living in the root system, symbionts, feeding on carbohydrates, supply the plant with atmospheric nitrogen. Thus, legumes increase fertility without depleting the soil.

There are many successful symbiotic examples involving bacteria and:

person;
algae;
arthropods;
sea animals.

Microscopic single-celled organisms assist the systems of the human body, help purify wastewater, participate in the cycle of elements and work to achieve common goals.

Why are bacteria classified into a special kingdom?

These organisms are characterized by their small size, lack of a formed nucleus, and exceptional structure. Therefore, despite external resemblance, they cannot be classified as eukaryotes, which have a formed cell nucleus limited from the cytoplasm by a membrane.

Thanks to all their features, in the 20th century scientists identified them as a separate kingdom.

The most ancient bacteria

The smallest single-celled organisms are considered the first life to emerge on Earth. Researchers in 2016 discovered buried cyanobacteria in Greenland that were about 3.7 billion years old.

In Canada, traces of microorganisms that lived approximately 4 billion years ago in the ocean have been found.

Functions of bacteria

In biology, between living organisms and their environment, bacteria perform the following functions:

processing of organic substances into minerals;
nitrogen fixation.

In human life, single-celled microorganisms play an important role from the first minutes of birth. They provide a balanced intestinal microflora, influence the immune system, and maintain water-salt balance.

Bacterial reserve substance

Spares nutrients in prokaryotes they accumulate in the cytoplasm. They accumulate under favorable conditions and are consumed during periods of fasting.

Bacterial reserve substances include:

polysaccharides;
lipids;
polypeptides;
polyphosphates;
sulfur deposits.

The main sign of bacteria

The function of the nucleus in prokaryotes is performed by the nucleoid.

Therefore, the main characteristic of bacteria is the concentration of hereditary material in one chromosome.

Why are representatives of the kingdom of bacteria classified as prokaryotes?

The absence of a formed nucleus was the reason for classifying bacteria as prokaryotic organisms.

How bacteria survive unfavorable conditions

Microscopic prokaryotes are able to tolerate unfavourable conditions, turning into controversy. There is a loss of water from the cell, a significant decrease in volume and a change in shape.

Spores become insensitive to mechanical, temperature and chemical influences. In this way, the property of viability is preserved and effective resettlement is carried out.

Conclusion

Bacteria are the oldest form of life on Earth, known long before the appearance of humans. They are present everywhere: in the surrounding air, water, in the surface layer earth's crust. Habitats include plants, animals and humans.

Active study of single-celled organisms began in the 19th century and continues to this day. These organisms are a major part of people's daily lives and have a direct impact on human existence.

They surround us everywhere. Many of them are very necessary and useful for humans, but many, on the contrary, cause terrible diseases.
Do you know what forms bacteria come in? How do they reproduce? What do they eat? Do you want to know?
.site) will help you find in this article.

Shapes and sizes of bacteria

Most bacteria are single-celled organisms. They come in a wide variety of shapes. Bacteria are given names depending on their shape. For example, round-shaped bacteria are called cocci (well-known streptococci and staphylococci), rod-shaped bacteria are called bacilli, pseudomonads or clostridia (bacteria of this shape include the famous tuberculosis bacillus or Koch's wand). Can bacteria have the shape of spirals, then their names spirochetes, vibrils or spirilla. Not so often, but bacteria in the shape of stars, various polygons or other geometric shapes do occur.

Bacteria are not at all large, their sizes range from half to five micrometers. The largest bacterium measures seven hundred and fifty micrometers. After the discovery of nanobacteria, it turned out that their size is much smaller than scientists previously imagined. However, to date, nanobacteria have not been well studied. Some scientists even doubt their existence.

Aggregates and multicellular organisms

Bacteria can attach to each other using mucus, forming cellular aggregates. Moreover, each individual bacterium is a self-sufficient organism, the vital activity of which does not depend in any way on its relatives glued to it. Sometimes it happens that bacteria adhere in order to carry out some kind of general function. Some bacteria, usually filamentous, can also form multicellular organisms.

How do they move?

There are bacteria that are not able to move on their own, but there are also those that are equipped with special devices for movement. Some bacteria move using flagella, while others can glide. How bacteria glide is not yet fully understood. It is believed that bacteria secrete a special mucus that makes sliding easier. There are also bacteria that can “dive”. In order to descend into the depths of any liquid medium, such a microorganism can change its density. In order for a bacterium to move in any direction, it must receive irritation.

Nutrition

There are bacteria that can only feed on organic compounds, and there are those that can process inorganics into organics and then use them for their own needs. Bacteria obtain energy in three ways: using respiration, fermentation or photosynthesis.

Reproduction

Regarding the proliferation of bacteria, we can say that it is also not uniform. There are bacteria that do not divide into sexes and reproduce by simple division or budding. Some cyanobacteria have the ability to multiple divisions, that is, in one go they can produce up to a thousand “newborn” bacteria. There are also bacteria that reproduce sexually. Of course, they do all this very primitively. But at the same time, two bacteria transfer their genetic data to the new cell - this is the main feature of sexual reproduction.

Bacteria undoubtedly deserve your attention not only because they cause many diseases. These microorganisms were the first living beings to inhabit our planet. The history of bacteria on Earth goes back almost four billion years! The most ancient cyanobacteria existing today are cyanobacteria; they appeared three and a half billion years ago.

You can experience the beneficial properties of bacteria for yourself thanks to the specialists of the Tiens Corporation, who have developed for you

Margin of safety

Who lives in the intestines?

"Wise" neighbors

Permanent microflora

What are they doing?

Fickle microflora

Dislocation in the gastrointestinal tract

The role of bacteria in nature

Participation in food chains

Cyanobacteria

More than 2 kilograms of these microscopic creatures live in the human body! Moreover, most of them do not cause any harm, but live in peace and harmony with the owner of the body. But what are they for? What benefits and harm do bacteria bring to humans?

The role of bacteria living inside us

All microorganisms that inhabit a person from the inside can be divided into two categories:

Bacteria that bring tangible benefits to their owner. They help a person absorb and digest food, as well as synthesize beneficial vitamins. The most well-known bacterium with these properties is Escherichia coli. The intestinal microflora is also inhabited by various bacteroids, lacto- and bifidobacteria. Their benefit is to strengthen the immune system. They also reduce the risk of dangerous germs entering. Excessive use of antibiotics or other chemical substances can lead to the death of beneficial bacteria. As a result, dysbiosis develops (diarrhea, constipation, nausea) and the human immune system suffers.
- gonorrhea;
- whooping cough;
- diphtheria;
- cholera;
- plague and many other diseases.

When microbes enter the body of animals, they again cause great harm. They cause infection with diseases such as anthrax and brucellosis (and many others). Eating meat from an infected animal can cause serious harm to human health.

The importance of bacteria in various areas of life

There are many bacterial preparations that help fight pests in agriculture and forestry. Some of these microscopic creatures are used for ensiling green fodder. And to purify wastewater, a special type of bacteria is used, which decompose organic residues and help control the level of pollution in water bodies. And even in modern medicine, microorganisms are actively used to produce various vitamins, antibiotics and other medicines.

Not all bacteria are beneficial and serve the benefit of people. There are also those that harm food, cause rotting of organic substances and produce poison. Eating low-quality food leads to poisoning of the body. In some cases, the result is completely sad - death. To protect yourself and your loved ones from harm caused by bad bacteria, and to maintain natural balance useful creatures in the body, it is necessary:

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Beneficial and harmful bacteria. What bacteria are the most dangerous for humans?

Most people associate the word “bacteria” with something unpleasant and a threat to health. At best they are remembered dairy products. At worst - dysbacteriosis, plague, dysentery and other troubles. But bacteria are everywhere, they are good and bad. What can microorganisms hide?

What are bacteria

Bacteria means “stick” in Greek. This name does not mean that harmful bacteria are meant. They were given this name because of their shape. Most of these single cells look like rods. They also come in the form of triangles, squares, and star-shaped cells. For a billion years, bacteria do not change their appearance; they can only change internally. They can be movable or immobile. A bacterium consists of one cell. On the outside it is covered with a thin shell. This allows it to maintain its shape. There is no nucleus or chlorophyll inside the cell. There are ribosomes, vacuoles, cytoplasmic outgrowths, and protoplasm. The largest bacterium was found in 1999. It was called the “Grey Pearl of Namibia”. Bacteria and bacillus mean the same thing, they just have different origins.

Man and bacteria

In our body there is a constant battle between harmful and beneficial bacteria. Thanks to this process, a person receives protection from various infections. Various microorganisms surround us at every step. They live on clothes, fly in the air, they are omnipresent.

The presence of bacteria in the mouth, and this is about forty thousand microorganisms, protects the gums from bleeding, from periodontal disease and even from sore throat. If a woman’s microflora is disturbed, she may develop gynecological diseases. Following basic rules of personal hygiene will help avoid such failures.

Human immunity completely depends on the state of the microflora. Almost 60% of all bacteria are found in the gastrointestinal tract alone. The rest are located in the respiratory system and in the reproductive system. About two kilograms of bacteria live in a person.

The appearance of bacteria in the body

A newly born baby has a sterile intestine. After his first breath, many microorganisms enter the body with which he was previously unfamiliar. When the baby is first put to the breast, the mother transfers beneficial bacteria with milk, which will help normalize the intestinal microflora. It is not for nothing that doctors insist that the mother immediately after the birth of her child breastfeed him. They also recommend extending this feeding as long as possible.

Beneficial bacteria

Beneficial bacteria are: lactic acid bacteria, bifidobacteria, E. coli, streptomycents, mycorrhizae, cyanobacteria.

They all play an important role in human life. Some of them prevent the occurrence of infections, others are used in the production of medicines, and others maintain balance in the ecosystem of our planet.

Types of harmful bacteria

Harmful bacteria can cause a number of serious illnesses in humans. For example, diphtheria, anthrax, sore throat, plague and many others. They are easily transmitted from an infected person through air, food, or touch. It is the harmful bacteria, the names of which will be given below, that spoil food. They give off an unpleasant odor, rot and decompose, and cause diseases.

Bacteria can be gram-positive, gram-negative, rod-shaped.

Names of harmful bacteria

Table. Harmful bacteria for humans. Titles

Titles	Habitat	Harm
Mycobacteria	food, water	tuberculosis, leprosy, ulcer
Tetanus bacillus	soil, skin, digestive tract	tetanus, muscle spasms, respiratory failure
Plague stick (considered by experts as a biological weapon)	only in humans, rodents and mammals	bubonic plague, pneumonia, skin infections
Helicobacter pylori	human gastric mucosa	gastritis, peptic ulcer, produces cytoxins, ammonia
Anthrax bacillus	the soil	anthrax
Botulism stick	food, contaminated dishes	poisoning

Harmful bacteria can stay in the body for a long time and absorb beneficial substances from it. However, they can cause an infectious disease.

The most dangerous bacteria

One of the most resistant bacteria is methicillin. It is better known as Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus). This microorganism can cause not one, but several infectious diseases. Some types of these bacteria are resistant to powerful antibiotics and antiseptics. Strains of this bacterium can live in the upper respiratory tract, open wounds and urinary tract of every third inhabitant of the Earth. For a person with a strong immune system, this does not pose a danger.

Harmful bacteria to humans are also pathogens called Salmonella typhi. They are the causative agents of acute intestinal infections and typhoid fever. These types of bacteria, harmful to humans, are dangerous because they produce toxic substances which are extremely life-threatening. As the disease progresses, intoxication of the body occurs, very high fever, rashes on the body, and the liver and spleen enlarge. The bacterium is very resistant to various external influences. Lives well in water, on vegetables, fruits and reproduces well in milk products.

Clostridium tetan is also one of the most dangerous bacteria. It produces a poison called tetanus exotoxin. People who become infected with this pathogen experience terrible pain, seizures and die very hard. The disease is called tetanus. Despite the fact that the vaccine was created back in 1890, 60 thousand people die from it every year on Earth.

And another bacterium that can lead to human death is Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It causes tuberculosis, which is drug-resistant. If you do not seek help in a timely manner, a person may die.

Measures to prevent the spread of infections

Harmful bacteria and the names of microorganisms are studied by doctors of all disciplines from their student days. Healthcare annually seeks new methods to prevent the spread of life-threatening infections. If you follow preventive measures, you will not have to waste energy on finding new ways to combat such diseases.

To do this, it is necessary to timely identify the source of the infection, determine the circle of sick people and possible victims. It is imperative to isolate those who are infected and disinfect the source of infection.

The second stage is the destruction of pathways through which harmful bacteria can be transmitted. For this purpose, appropriate propaganda is carried out among the population.

Food facilities, reservoirs, and food storage warehouses are taken under control.

Every person can resist harmful bacteria by strengthening their immunity in every possible way. A healthy lifestyle, observing basic hygiene rules, protecting yourself during sexual contact, using sterile disposable medical instruments and equipment, completely limiting communication with people in quarantine. If you enter an epidemiological area or a source of infection, you must strictly comply with all the requirements of sanitary and epidemiological services. A number of infections are equated in their effects to bacteriological weapons.

Bacteria are useful and harmful. Bacteria in human life

Bacteria are the most numerous inhabitants of planet Earth. They inhabited it in ancient times and continue to exist today. Some species have even changed little since then. Bacteria, beneficial and harmful, literally surround us everywhere (and even penetrate into other organisms). With a rather primitive unicellular structure, they are probably one of the most effective forms of living nature and are classified as a special kingdom.

Margin of safety

These microorganisms, as they say, do not drown in water and do not burn in fire. Literally: they can withstand temperatures up to plus 90 degrees, freezing, lack of oxygen, pressure – high and low. We can say that nature has invested a huge margin of safety in them.

Bacteria beneficial and harmful to the human body

As a rule, the bacteria that inhabit our bodies in abundance do not receive due attention. After all, they are so small that they seem to have no significant significance. Those who think so are largely mistaken. Beneficial and harmful bacteria have long and reliably “colonized” other organisms and successfully coexist with them. Yes, they cannot be seen without the help of optics, but they can benefit or harm our body.

Who lives in the intestines?

Doctors say that if you add together just the bacteria that live in the intestines and weigh them, you get something like three kilograms! Such a huge army cannot be ignored. Many microorganisms continuously enter the human intestine, but only some species find favorable conditions for living and living there. And in the process of evolution, they even formed a permanent microflora, which is designed to perform important physiological functions.

"Wise" neighbors

Bacteria have long played an important role in human life, although until very recently people had no idea about it. They help their owner with digestion and perform a number of other functions. What are these invisible neighbors?

Permanent microflora

99% of the population resides permanently in the intestines. They are ardent supporters and helpers of man.

Essential beneficial bacteria. Names: bifidobacteria and bacteroides. They are the vast majority.
Associated beneficial bacteria. Names: Escherichia coli, enterococci, lactobacilli. Their number should be 1-9% of the total.

You also need to know that under appropriate negative conditions, all these representatives of the intestinal flora (with the exception of bifidobacteria) can cause diseases.

What are they doing?

The main functions of these bacteria are to help us in the digestion process. It has been noted that dysbiosis can occur in a person with poor nutrition. The result is stagnation and poor health, constipation and other inconveniences. When a balanced diet is normalized, the disease usually recedes.

Another function of these bacteria is guard. They monitor which bacteria are beneficial. To ensure that “strangers” do not penetrate their community. If, for example, the causative agent of dysentery, Shigella Sonne, tries to penetrate the intestines, they kill it. However, it is worth noting that this only occurs in the body relatively healthy person, with good immunity. Otherwise, the risk of getting sick increases significantly.

Fickle microflora

Approximately 1% of the body of a healthy individual consists of so-called opportunistic microbes. They belong to the unstable microflora. At normal conditions they perform certain functions that do not harm a person, they work for the benefit. But in certain situations they can manifest themselves as pests. These are mainly staphylococci and various types of fungi.

Dislocation in the gastrointestinal tract

In fact, the entire digestive tract has a heterogeneous and unstable microflora - beneficial and harmful bacteria. The esophagus contains the same inhabitants as in the oral cavity. In the stomach there are only a few that are acid-resistant: lactobacilli, Helicobacter, streptococci, fungi. The microflora in the small intestine is also sparse. Most bacteria are found in the colon. Thus, when defecating, a person is capable of excreting over 15 trillion microorganisms per day!

The role of bacteria in nature

It is also, of course, great. There are several global functions, without which all life on the planet would probably have ceased to exist long ago. The most important is sanitary. Bacteria eat dead organisms found in nature. They, in essence, work as a kind of wipers, preventing deposits of dead cells from accumulating. Scientifically they are called saprotrophs.

Another important role of bacteria is participation in the global cycle of substances on land and sea. On planet Earth, all substances in the biosphere pass from one organism to another. Without some bacteria, this transition would simply be impossible. The role of bacteria is invaluable, for example, in the circulation and reproduction of such an important element as nitrogen. There are certain bacteria in the soil that make nitrogenous fertilizers for plants from nitrogen in the air (microorganisms live right in their roots). This symbiosis between plants and bacteria is being studied by science.

Participation in food chains

As already mentioned, bacteria are the most numerous inhabitants of the biosphere. And accordingly, they can and should participate in food chains inherent in the nature of animals and plants. Of course, for humans, for example, bacteria are not a main part of the diet (unless they can be used as a food additive). However, there are organisms that feed on bacteria. These organisms, in turn, feed on other animals.

Cyanobacteria

These blue-green algae (an outdated name for these bacteria, fundamentally incorrect from a scientific point of view) are capable of producing huge amounts of oxygen through photosynthesis. Once upon a time, it was they who began to saturate our atmosphere with oxygen. Cyanobacteria continue to do this successfully to this day, producing a certain portion of the oxygen in the modern atmosphere!

Bacteria in nature are harmful and beneficial to humans

Most people view various bacterial organisms solely as harmful particles that can provoke the development of various pathological conditions. Nevertheless, according to scientists, the world of these organisms is very diverse. There are downright dangerous bacteria dangerous our body, but there are also useful ones - those that ensure the normal functioning of our organs and systems. Let's try to understand these concepts a little and consider individual species similar organisms. Let's talk about bacteria in nature that are harmful and beneficial to humans.

Beneficial bacteria

Scientists say that bacteria became the very first inhabitants of our big planet, and it is thanks to them that there is life on Earth now. Over the course of many millions of years, these organisms gradually adapted to the constantly changing conditions of existence, they changed their appearance and habitat. The bacteria were able to adapt to the environment and were able to develop new and unique techniques life support, including multiple biochemical reactions - catalysis, photosynthesis and even seemingly simple respiration. Now bacteria coexist with human organisms, and such cooperation is characterized by some harmony, because such organisms are capable of bringing real benefits.

After small man is born, bacteria immediately begin to penetrate into his body. They penetrate the respiratory tract along with the air, enter the body along with breast milk, etc. The entire body becomes saturated with various bacteria.

It is impossible to accurately calculate their number, but some scientists boldly say that the number of such cells in the body is comparable to the number of all cells. The digestive tract alone is home to four hundred different types of living bacteria. It is believed that a certain variety can grow only in a specific place. Thus, lactic acid bacteria are able to grow and multiply in the intestines, others feel optimal in the oral cavity, and some live only on the skin.

Over many years of coexistence, humans and such particles were able to recreate optimal conditions for cooperation for both groups, which can be characterized as a useful symbiosis. At the same time, bacteria and our body combine their capabilities, while each side remains in the black.

Bacteria are capable of collecting particles of various cells on their surface, which is why the immune system does not perceive them as hostile and does not attack them. However, after organs and systems are exposed to harmful viruses, beneficial bacteria rise to the defense and simply block the path of pathogens. When existing in the digestive tract, such substances also bring tangible benefits. They process leftover food, releasing a significant amount of heat. It, in turn, is transmitted to nearby organs, and is transferred throughout the body.

A deficiency of beneficial bacteria in the body or a change in their number causes the development of various pathological conditions. This situation can develop while taking antibiotics, which effectively destroy both harmful and beneficial bacteria. To correct the number of beneficial bacteria, special preparations - probiotics - can be consumed.

Harmful bacteria

However, it is worth remembering that not all bacteria are human friends. Among them there are also many dangerous varieties that can only cause harm. Such organisms, after entering our body, become the cause of the development of various bacterial ailments. These include various colds, some types of pneumonia, and also syphilis, tetanus and other diseases, even deadly ones. There are also diseases of this type that are transmitted by airborne droplets. This is dangerous tuberculosis, whooping cough, etc.

A significant number of ailments caused by harmful bacteria develop due to the consumption of insufficiently high-quality food, unwashed and unprocessed vegetables and fruits, raw water, and undercooked meat. You can protect yourself from such diseases by following the rules and regulations of hygiene. Examples of such dangerous illnesses are dysentery, typhoid fever, etc.

Manifestations of diseases that develop as a result of an attack by bacteria are the result of the pathological influence of poisons that these organisms produce or that are formed against the background of their destruction. The human body is able to get rid of them thanks to its natural defense, which is based on the process of phagocytosis of bacteria by white blood cells, as well as on the immune system, which synthesizes antibodies. The latter bind foreign proteins and carbohydrates, and then simply eliminate them from the bloodstream.

Also, harmful bacteria can be destroyed using natural and synthetic medications, the most famous of which is penicillin. All drugs of this type are antibiotics; they differ depending on the active component and the mode of action. Some of them are capable of destroying the cell membranes of bacteria, while others suspend their vital processes.

So, in nature there are a lot of bacteria that can bring benefits and harm to humans. Fortunately, the modern level of development of medicine makes it possible to cope with most pathological organisms of this kind.

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The benefits and harms of bacteria???

The fact is that bacteria bring not only harm, but also undoubted benefit. It is not for nothing that in the intestines of any organism there is a separate environment, which it would not hurt to separate into an independent organ, which is called the microflora of the body. Microflora includes a range of bacteria necessary for normal life.
The role of bacteria in human life is great. While still in the intestines, bacteria break down food residues indigestible in the stomach into organic and inorganic compounds. In the process, amino acids and some vitamins are extracted, which are immediately absorbed into the blood.
Bacteria are also found in dairy products - yoghurt, kefir, fermented baked milk. Together with these products, microorganisms enter the gastric tract, where they help the stomach itself cope with its main task - thoroughly digesting food. It is for this reason that we always feel light after eating dairy products and do not feel discomfort in the stomach caused by pain, colic or nausea.
The role of bacteria in human life is great. Being inside the female genital organs, microorganisms create a special acid-base environment, the violation of which leads to a number of unpleasant diseases and inflammations. To maintain such an optimal environment, personal hygiene must be observed.
The oral cavity is also full of microbes, which help get rid of inflammation and bleeding gums, tonsillitis and periodontal disease.
As you understand, microorganisms are located inside our entire body, and it’s not worth getting rid of them so violently. The role of bacteria in human life is ambiguous, but the fact that we need these simple organisms is one hundred percent correct answer.
Drink less antibiotics, which destroy the normal cooperation between microbes and humans, which leads to serious diseases.

Tanya

Benefit: Bacteria that bring tangible benefits to their owner. They help a person absorb and digest food, as well as synthesize beneficial vitamins. The most well-known bacterium with these properties is Escherichia coli. The intestinal microflora is also inhabited by various bacteroids, lacto- and bifidobacteria. Their benefit is to strengthen the immune system. They also reduce the risk of dangerous germs entering. Excessive use of antibiotics or other chemicals can kill beneficial bacteria. As a result, dysbiosis develops (diarrhea, constipation, nausea) and the human immune system suffers.

Sergey

Bacteria harmful to human health. Most often, pathogenic microbes enter the human body through airborne droplets. But this is far from the only way of infection. Dirty or stale food, bad water, poorly washed hands, various blood-sucking insects (fleas, lice, mosquitoes), a wound on the skin - all this can cause infection with bad microorganisms. Such organisms cause significant harm to health. Namely, they cause serious diseases:

What benefits and harm do bacteria bring to humans?

Elena

The harm from bacteria is very noticeable - many bacteria are sources of inflammation and infections. Deadly diseases typhus and cholera, serious illnesses Pneumonia and diphtheria are caused by bacteria, and it is not surprising that people are constantly looking for ways to combat them.
However, many bacteria are beneficial. Bacteria that cause, for example, fermentation of sweet juices or ripening of cream are beneficial. If bacteria did not decompose dead tissue, then the entire surface of the Earth would already be covered with it. But most importantly, bacteria participate in the formation of nitrates, which are necessary for plant life and, therefore, for our life.

Vladimir Kukuruzov

There are microorganisms that indirectly affect human life. They live in soils and water bodies and are engaged in the breakdown organic waste, ensure rotting of dead plants, saturate the soil with essential minerals and oxygen. Thanks to them, planet Earth does not lack oxygen.
Even in ancient times, people realized what invaluable benefits bacteria bring to humans in everyday life. Many food products cannot be produced without the use of beneficial bacteria. Fermented milk products (kefir, yogurt), acetic acid, confectionery products, cocoa, coffee are the result of the active activity of microorganisms. Even the production of tanned leather or, for example, flax fiber is not complete without their participation.
fermented milk products There are many bacterial preparations that help fight pests in agriculture and forestry. Some of these microscopic creatures are used for ensiling green fodder. And to purify wastewater, a special type of bacteria is used, which decompose organic residues and help control the level of pollution in water bodies. And even in modern medicine, microorganisms are actively used to produce various vitamins, antibiotics and other medications.
preparation with lactic acid bacteria Not all bacteria are beneficial and serve the benefit of people. There are also those that harm food, cause rotting of organic substances and produce poison. Eating low-quality food leads to poisoning of the body. In some cases, the result is completely sad - death. To protect yourself and your loved ones from harm caused by bad bacteria, as well as maintain the natural balance of beneficial creatures in the body, you need to:
Regularly eat fermented milk products enriched with bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
Eat only fresh and quality products.
Wash your hands before eating and thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables.
Subject the meat to heat treatment.
Take antibiotics strictly as prescribed by your doctor. And try not to abuse various medications. Otherwise, instead of benefit, you can cause significant harm to your health.
Compliance with these simple rules- the key to a healthy life.

How do bacteria enter the human body and what harm do they cause?

ValyuSha

from the environment, for example, from dirty hands, towels, through the nose, mouth, skin, those who have normal immunity - bacteria are basically not scary, but those who have problems with it - due to bacteria, various illnesses can arise - colds, acne, diarrhea and so on.)

Dmitry Kalinkin

There is a hypothesis that all microorganisms are biorobots that perform the functions of repairing tissues, organs, cells, DNA
but not only repairs, but also, in general, changes in the internal state of living beings, people, animals and plants, as well as single-celled organisms. Viruses, like the smallest biorobots, engage in changes at the genetic level.
At the crudest level, helminths are used.
That is, all microorganisms are a tool for controlling the internal state of complex organisms from the control function of NATURE. There is even a humorous hypothesis that driving force The evolution of living things are viruses that forced all living things to develop in order to ensure the life of viruses. (After all, they cannot live on their own.

Grigory Miroshin

Eternity…………

The danger of bacterial diseases was greatly reduced at the end of the 19th century with the invention of vaccination, and in the middle of the 20th century with the discovery of antibiotics.

useful; For thousands of years, people have used lactic acid bacteria to produce cheese, yogurt, kefir, vinegar, and fermentation.

Currently, methods have been developed for the use of phytopathogenic bacteria as safe herbicides, and entomopathogenic bacteria instead of insecticides. The most widely used is Bacillus thuringiensis, which produces toxins (Cry-toxins) that affect insects. In addition to bacterial insecticides, agriculture Bacterial fertilizers have found application.

Bacteria that cause human disease are used as biological weapons.

Due to their rapid growth and reproduction, as well as their simple structure, bacteria are actively used in scientific research in molecular biology, genetics, genetic engineering and biochemistry. The most well-studied bacterium is Escherichia coli. Information about bacterial metabolic processes has made it possible to produce bacterial synthesis of vitamins, hormones, enzymes, antibiotics, etc.

A promising direction is the enrichment of ores with the help of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria, the purification of soils and water bodies contaminated with petroleum products or xenobiotics by bacteria.

The human intestine normally contains from 300 to 1000 species of bacteria with a total mass of up to 1 kg, and the number of their cells is an order of magnitude greater than the number of cells in the human body. They play an important role in the digestion of carbohydrates, synthesize vitamins, and displace pathogenic bacteria. We can figuratively say that the human microflora is an additional “organ” that is responsible for protecting the body from infections and digestion.

It's not very short here. but I think you can shorten it as you like.

Karim Murotaliev

Bacteria and millennium man coexist with each other. They bring enormous benefits to humans. Beneficial bacteria make up 99% of the entire population that inhabit the human body and only 1% of them have bad reputation. Because of the harm that bacteria cause to humans, any mention of them evokes negative emotions. Bacteria are found in the air we breathe, in the soil, in food and water, in plants, in our bodies, etc.

Rice. 1. Bacteria and humans.

The first bacteria on planet Earth appeared billions of years ago, long before the appearance of plants, animals and humans. For millions of years, changing their habitat in an unfavorable climate, they changed themselves, gradually improving their methods of life support, and over time populated the entire planet: oceans, soil, rocks, volcanoes and arctic ice. The survival of bacteria was ensured by the presence of “jumping” genes, which they learned to pass on to each other along with the acquired achievements.

Rice. 2. Microbes are the real invisible masters of the Earth.

Rice. 3. About 70% of living creatures on Earth are bacteria.

Bacteria and humans: benefits for the human body

Bacteria have lived on planet Earth for more than 3.5 billion years. During this time they learned a lot and adapted to a lot. Now they help people. Bacteria and humans have become inseparable. As scientists have calculated, the human body contains from 500 to 1000 different types of bacteria or trillions of these amazing inhabitants, which amounts to up to 4 kg of total weight. Up to 3 kilograms of microbial bodies are found only in the intestines. The rest of them are found in the genitourinary tract, on the skin and other cavities of the human body.

The human body is inhabited by both beneficial and harmful bacteria. The existing balance between the human body and bacteria has been refined over centuries. When immunity decreases, “bad” bacteria cause great harm to the human body. Some diseases make it difficult to replenish the body with “good” bacteria.

Rice. 4. Bacteria inhabiting the oral cavity: Streptococcus mutants ( green color). Bakteroides gingivalis, causes periodontitis (lilac color). Candida albicus (yellow color).

Rice. 5. Inner surface of the colon. Pink islands are clusters of bacteria.

Rice. 6. Bacteria in duodenum(marked in red).

Rice. 7. Bacteria (blue and green) on human skin (computer image).

Microbes fill the body of a newborn from the first minutes of his life and finally form the composition of the intestinal microflora by the age of 10-13 years. The intestines are inhabited by streptococci, lactobacilli, bifidobacteria, enterobacteria, fungi, intestinal viruses, and non-pathogenic protozoa. Lactobacilli and bifidobacteria make up 60% of the intestinal flora. The composition of this group of bacteria is always constant, numerous and performs basic functions.

Rice. 12. Intestinal bacteria (red) in the duodenum.

The normal functioning of the human body is due to bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, enterococci, Escherichia coli and bacteriodes, which account for 99% of the normal intestinal microflora. 1% are representatives of opportunistic flora: clostridia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, staphylococci, Proteus, etc.

Bifidobacteria

Thanks to bifidobacteria, acetate and lactic acid are produced. By acidifying the environment, they suppress the growth of pathogenic bacteria that cause rotting and fermentation;
thanks to bifidobacteria, the risk of developing food allergies in children is reduced;
they provide antioxidant and antitumor effects;
bifidobacteria take part in the synthesis of vitamin C;
bifidobacteria and lactobacilli take part in the processes of absorption of vitamin D, calcium and iron.

Rice. 13. Bifidobacteria. Three-dimensional image.

Escherichia coli

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

Rice. 14. Escherichia coli. Three-dimensional image.

Rice. 15. Escherichia coli under a microscope.

Enterobacteriaceae

Enterobacteriaceae take an active part in the restoration of intestinal microflora after taking antibiotics.

Lactobacilli

Lactobacilli inhibit the growth of putrefactive and opportunistic microorganisms due to the formation of a number of antimicrobial substances.

Rice. 16. Lactobacilli (three-dimensional image).

Positive role of bacteria in the human body

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.
Thanks to the intestinal microflora, undigested food components from the upper intestines are broken down - starch, cellulose, protein and fat fractions.
Intestinal microflora maintains water-salt metabolism and ion homeostasis.
Thanks to the secretion of special substances, the intestinal microflora suppresses the growth of pathogenic bacteria that cause rotting 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.
Intestinal microflora plays a big 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.
Increases the resistance of the intestinal epithelium to carcinogens.
Microflora protect the intestinal mucosa and provide energy to the intestinal epithelium.
Regulates intestinal motility.
The intestinal flora acquires the skills to capture and remove viruses from the host’s body, with which it has been in symbiosis for many years.
Maintains the body's thermal balance. The microflora is nourished by substances that are not digested by the enzymatic system and come from the upper parts of the gastrointestinal tract. As a result of complex biochemical reactions, a huge amount of thermal energy is produced. Heat is carried through the bloodstream throughout the body and enters all internal organs. This is why a person always freezes when fasting.
Regulates the reabsorption of bile acid components (cholesterol), hormones, etc.

Rice. 17. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bifidum cells.

Rice. 18. Escherichia coli.

In diseases that reduce the body's immunity, intestinal diseases, long-term use of antibacterial drugs and in the absence of lactose in the human body, when the sugar contained in milk is not digested and begins to ferment in the intestines, changing the acid balance of the intestines, a microbial imbalance occurs - dysbiosis (dysbiosis). Dysbacteriosis is characterized by the death of “good” bacteria and increased growth of pathogenic microorganisms and fungi. The processes of rotting and fermentation begin to prevail in the intestines. This is manifested by diarrhea and bloating, pain, loss of appetite, and then weight, children begin to lag behind in development, anemia and hypovitaminosis develop.

Bacteria and humans will always coexist together. The health of every person is in his hands. If a person takes care of himself, he will remain healthy, and therefore happy, for many years.

Rice. 19. Bacteria and humans. Together forever.