Chapter 1

The Unseen Life

A living things that can not seen by eyes!

Types of microorganisms

Microorganisms can be very useful in our daily lives

Tapai is a popular food of Malaysia. It is made from glutinous rice or tapioca. Yeast is added to make tapai.

Yeast is also used tp help dough to rise in making bread.

Some bacteria can be use to make cheese and yogurt

Microorganisms benefits human

1. Normal bacteria found in the intestine, female genital tract and oral cavity help prevent overgrowth of potential pathogens in humans and aid in digestion.

2. Some microorganisms and their biochemical reactions are used in food industry- yogurt, pickles and saurkraut for example.

3. Some bacteria have the ability to synthesize antibiotics- Streptomyces to make aminoglycoside antibiotics

4. They are useful in genetic engineering- the production of interferon and growth hormones for example.

5. Certain strains of Bacillus bacteria are used in mosquito control. By placing Bacillus bacteria in mosquito larva infested water, the bacteria kill off the larva.

6. Some bacteria are being used to degrade oil spills, remove toxic materials from soil and other ways to clean the environment.

7. Some bacteria turn waste products into energy.

8. Very useful in research.

Microorganisms can be very harm for your life !!

It can make your food turn bad when there is bacteria and fungi in your food.