CBSE Class 12th Biology Notes for Chapter 10 Microbes In Human Welfare

 Chapter 10 Microbes In Human Welfare
 

• Microbes are a very important component of life on earth.

 

• Not all microbes are pathogenic. Many microbes are very useful to human beings. We use microbes and microbially derived products almost every day.

 

• Bacteria called lactic acid bacteria (LAB) grow in milk to convert it into curd.

 

• The dough which is used to make bread is fermented by yeast.

 

• Certain dishes like idli and dosa are made from dough fermented by microbes.

 

• Bacteria and fungi impart particular taste, texture and flavor to cheese.

 

• Microbes are also used to produce industrial products like lactic acid, acetic acid and alcohol, which are used in a variety of processes in the industry.

 

• Antibiotics like penicillin produced by useful microbes are used to kill disease-causing harmful microbes. Antibiotics have played a major role in controlling infectious diseases like diphtheria, whooping cough and pneumonia.

 

• Microbes are being used to treat sewage (waste water) by the process of activated sludge formation and this helps in recycling of water in nature.

 

• Microbes can also be used to kill harmful pests. This process is called biocontrol. The biocontrol measures help in avoiding heavy pesticides.

 

• Microbes, in conclusion, play a very important role in the welfare of human society.