Beneficial and harmful human bacteria. The most useful bacteria and their names Bacteria helpers

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

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

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

Important. They provide complete life support.

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

Beneficial bacteria in the human body

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

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

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

bifidobacteria

The importance of this type of bacteria is enormous.

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

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

coli

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

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

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

The positive role of bacteria in human life

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

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

The role of bacteria in nitrogen production

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

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

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

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

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

The role of bacteria in nature: nitrogen fixation

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

Nodule bacteria coexist well with leguminous plants and sea buckthorn.

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

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

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

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

The role of bacteria in nature: the carbon cycle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The role of bacteria in nature: mineralization of organic residues

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

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

The role of bacteria in nature: fermentation of pectins

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

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

The role of bacteria in water purification

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

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

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

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

The use of bacteria in the enrichment of ores

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

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

The role of bacteria in butyric fermentation

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

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

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

The role of bacteria in animal life

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

Importance of bacteria in animal husbandry

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

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

The use of bacteria in the food industry

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

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

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

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

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

Rice. 20. Dairy products.

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

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

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

The use of yeast and fungi in the food industry

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

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

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

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

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

The role of bacteria in human life: acetic acid oxidation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Using bacteria to produce safe herbicides

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

The use of bacteria in the production of detergents

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

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

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

The totality of bacteria that inhabit the human body has a common name - the microbiota. In a normal, healthy human microflora, there are several million bacteria. Each of them plays an 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 work of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract is disrupted. Beneficial bacteria for humans are concentrated on the skin, in the intestines, 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 position, the necessary balance is maintained.

Among the different types of bacteria that live on the human body, we can distinguish:

• bifidobacteria;
• lactobacilli;
• enterococci;
• coli.

bifidobacteria

This type of microorganisms is the most common, 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 the processes of decay and fermentation.

Bifidobacteria play an important role in the life of a child, as they are responsible for the presence of an allergic reaction to any food. In addition, they have an antioxidant effect, 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 for normal life. In the presence of a deficiency of bifidobacteria, even taking synthetic vitamins of this group will not bring any result.

lactobacilli

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

Lactobacilli are involved in the formation of lactic acid, lysocin, bacteriocins. This is a great help to the immune system. If there is a deficiency of these bacteria in the intestine, then dysbacteriosis develops very quickly.

Lactobacilli colonize 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, do not allow the development of bacterial vaginosis.

coli

Not all types of E. coli are pathogenic. Most of them, on the contrary, perform a protective function. The usefulness of the genus Escherichia coli 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 the maintenance of normal hemoglobin levels.

Enterococci

This type of microorganism colonizes the human intestine immediately after birth.

They help digest sucrose. Living mainly in the small intestine, they, like other beneficial non-pathogenic bacteria, provide protection against excessive reproduction of harmful elements. At the same time, enterococci are conditionally safe bacteria.

If they begin to exceed the permissible norms, various bacterial diseases develop. The list of diseases is very large. Ranging from intestinal infections, ending with meningococcal.

The positive effect 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 of the nervous system, skin diseases, and a decrease in hemoglobin.

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

The intestinal microflora forms local immunity. It is here that the destruction of the bulk of pathogenic organisms takes place, the harmful microbe is blocked.

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

Useful 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. Suppression of the processes of decay and fermentation is one of the main tasks of bifidobacteria. Many microorganisms develop in symbiosis with pathogenic bacteria for many years, thereby controlling them.

Biochemical reactions that constantly occur with bacteria release a lot of heat energy, maintaining the overall heat 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 organisms actively multiply.

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

In the normal state, beneficial bacteria regulate the development of pathogenic microflora. Skin, respiratory organs are usually under reliable protection. When the balance is disturbed, a person feels the following symptoms: intestinal flatulence, bloating, abdominal pain, upset.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In addition to harmful, there are beneficial bacteria that provide the body with great help.

For the layman, the term "bacteria" is most often associated with something harmful and life-threatening.

Most often, among the beneficial bacteria, sour-milk microorganisms are recalled.

If we talk about harmful bacteria, then people most often remember such diseases as:

• dysbacteriosis;
• plague;
• dysentery and some others.

Beneficial bacteria for humans help to carry out some biochemical processes in the body that ensure normal life.

Bacterial microorganisms live almost everywhere. They are found in air, water, soil, in any type of tissue, both living and dead.

A harmful microorganism can cause serious harm to the body, and the resulting pathologies can seriously undermine the state of health.

The list of the most famous pathogenic microbes includes:

1. Salmonella.
2. Staphylococcus.
3. Streptococcus.
4. Vibrio cholerae.
5. Plague wand and some others.

If harmful microorganisms are known to most people, then not everyone knows about beneficial bacterial microorganisms, and those people who have heard about the presence of beneficial bacteria are unlikely to be able to name them and how they are useful to humans.

Depending on the impact on humans, the microflora can be divided into three groups of microorganisms:

• pathogenic;
• conditionally pathogenic;
• non-pathogenic.

Non-pathogenic microorganisms are the most useful for humans, pathogenic microorganisms are the most harmful, and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms can be beneficial under certain conditions, and become harmful when external conditions change.

In the body, beneficial and harmful bacteria are in balance, but when some factors change, the predominance of pathogenic flora can be observed, which leads to the development of various ailments.

Beneficial bacteria for humans

The most useful for the human body are sour-milk and bifidobacteria.

These types of bacteria are not capable of leading to the development of diseases in the body.

Beneficial bacteria for the intestines are a group of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria.

Beneficial microbes - lactic acid bacteria are used in the production of a variety of products from milk. In addition, they can be used in the preparation of dough and some other types of products.

Bifidobacteria form the basis of the intestinal flora in the human body. In young breastfed children, this type of microorganism accounts for up to 90% of all types of bacteria living in the intestines.

These bacteria are entrusted with the performance of a large number of functions, the main among which are the following:

1. Ensuring the physiological protection of the digestive tract from penetration and damage by pathogenic microflora.
2. Provides the production of organic acids. Preventing the reproduction of pathogenic organisms.
3. They participate in the synthesis of B vitamins and vitamin K, in addition, they participate in the process of protein synthesis necessary for the human body.
4. Accelerates the absorption of vitamin D.

Bacteria useful to humans perform a huge number of functions and their role is difficult to overestimate. Without their participation, it is impossible to carry out normal digestion and absorption of nutrients.

The colonization of the intestines with beneficial bacteria occurs in the first days of a baby's life.

Bacteria penetrate the baby's stomach and begin to participate in all the digestive processes that occur in the body of the newborn.

In addition to sour-milk and bifidobacteria, Escherichia coli, streptomycetes, mycorrhiza and cyanobacteria are useful for humans.

These groups of organisms play a huge role in human life. Some of them prevent the development of infectious diseases, others are used in drug production technologies, and still others ensure balance in the planet's ecological system.

The third type of microbes are Azotobacteria, their impact on the environment is difficult to overestimate.

Characteristics of sour milk stick

The lactic acid microbes are rod-shaped and Gram-positive.

The habitat of various microbes of this group is milk, dairy products such as yogurt, kefir, they also multiply in fermented foods and are part of the microflora of the intestines, mouth and female vagina. If the microflora is disturbed, thrush and some dangerous diseases can develop. The most common species of these microorganisms are L. acidophilus, L. reuteri, L. Plantarum and some others.

This group of microorganisms is known for its ability to use lactose for life and produce lactic acid as a by-product.

This ability of bacteria is used in the production of products that require fermentation. With the help of this process, it is possible to produce such a product from milk as yogurt. In addition, fermented milk organisms can be used in the salting process. This is due to the fact that lactic acid can act as a preservative.

In humans, lactic acid bacteria are involved in the process of digestion, ensuring the breakdown of lactose.

The acidic environment that occurs during the life of these bacteria prevents the development of pathogenic microflora in the intestine.

For this reason, lactic acid bacteria are an important component of probiotic preparations and dietary supplements.

Reviews of people using such drugs and dietary supplements to restore the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract indicate that these medicines have a high degree of effectiveness.

Brief description of bifidobacteria and Escherichia coli

This variety of microorganisms belongs to the group of gram-positive. They are branched and rod-shaped.

The habitat of this type of microbes is the human gastrointestinal tract.

This type of microflora is capable of producing acetic acid in addition to lactic acid.

This compound inhibits the growth of pathogenic microflora. The production of these compounds contributes to the control of pH levels in the stomach and intestines.

Such a representative as the B. Longum bacterium ensures the destruction of indigestible plant polymers.

Microorganisms B. longum and B. Infantis in the course of their activity produce compounds that prevent the development of diarrhea, candidiasis and fungal infections in infants and children.

Due to the presence of these beneficial properties, this type of microbe is often included in the composition of tablets sold in pharmacies of probiotic medicines.

Bifidobacteria are used in the production of various lactic acid products, such as yogurt, ryazhenka, and some others. Being in the gastrointestinal tract, they act as purifiers of the intestinal environment from harmful microflora.

The composition of the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract also includes Escherichia coli. She takes an active part in the processes of digestion of food. In addition, they are involved in some processes that ensure the vital activity of the cells of the body.

Some varieties of the stick are capable of causing poisoning in case of excessive development. Diarrhea and kidney failure.

Brief description of streptomycetes, nodule bacteria and cyanobacteria

Streptomycetes in nature live in soil, water and the remains of decaying organic matter.

These microbes are Gram-positive and filamentous under the microscope.

Most streptomycetes play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance in nature. Due to the fact that these microbes have the ability to process decaying organic matter, it is considered as a biorestorative agent.

Some types of streptomycetes are used to make effective antibiotics and antifungal drugs.

Mycorrhiza live in the soil, they exist in the roots of plants, entering into symbiosis with the plant. The most common symbiont of mycorrhiza are plants of the legume family.

Their benefit lies in the ability to bind atmospheric nitrogen, converting it in compounds into a form that is easily absorbed by plants.

Plants are not able to assimilate atmospheric nitrogen, so they are entirely dependent on the activity of this type of microorganism.

Cyanobacteria live most often in water and on the surface of bare rocks.

This group of living organisms are known as blue-green algae. This type of living organisms play an important role in wildlife. They are responsible for the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen in the aquatic environment.

The presence of such abilities in these bacteria as calcification and decalcification make them an essential component of the system for maintaining the ecological balance in nature.

Microorganisms harmful to humans

Pathogenic representatives of microflora are microbes capable of provoking the development of various ailments in the human body.

Some types of microbes can provoke the development of deadly diseases.

Very often, such diseases can be transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person. In addition, a large number of pathogenic microflora can spoil food.

Representatives of pathogenic microflora can be gram-positive, gram-negative and rod-shaped microbes.

The table below shows the most famous representatives of the microflora.

Pathogenic microflora can develop in the body for a long time and feed on useful substances, weakening its condition, which leads to the development of various infectious diseases.

The most dangerous bacteria for humans

One of the most dangerous and resistant bacteria is a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus. In the ranking of dangerous bacteria, it can rightfully take a prize.

This microbe is capable of provoking the development of several infectious diseases in the body.

Some varieties of this microflora are resistant to the effects of the strongest antibiotics and antiseptics.

Varieties of Staphylococcus aureus are able to live:

• in the upper parts of the human respiratory system;
• on the surface of open wounds;
• In the channels of the urinary organs.

For a human body with a strong immune system, this microbe is not dangerous, but if the body is weakened, it can manifest itself in all its glory.

The bacteria called Salmonella typhi are very dangerous. They are able to provoke the appearance of such a terrible and deadly infection in the body as typhoid fever, in addition, acute intestinal infections can develop.

The specified pathological flora is dangerous for the human body in that they produce toxic compounds that are very dangerous to health.

Poisoning by these compounds of the body can provoke the appearance of serious and fatal diseases.