Bacteria play a key role in many essential biological processes, including nutrient recycling, soil formation, food production (such as curd or yogurt, cheese, ghee, and vinegar), digestion, and the breakdown of organic matter in nature.
They are also essential for human health, providing vital nutrients, nitrogen cycles, bioweapons, producing antibiotics and other drugs, and protecting us from disease-causing organisms. Bacteria also play an important role in biotechnology, providing enzymes and other proteins for industrial applications, such as producing biofuels and other chemicals.
Bacteria are also important in agriculture because they help compost and produce fertilizer by natural means. Bacteria are used in genetic engineering where specific genes are introduced into bacteria for the production of desired products.
Economic importance contains both useful and harmful activities related to the topic, here we will discuss the beneficial and harmful effects caused by bacteria.
Beneficial Activities of Bacteria
Industrial Uses
Bacteria in Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a technology that leverages biological systems, living organisms, or parts of these to develop or create various products. A prime example is the use of microorganisms, including bacteria, in manufacturing industries.
The chemical production of acetone, enzymes, alcohol (ethanol), organic acids, and perfumes is facilitated by bacteria. Here, we explore several industrial applications of bacteria in biotechnology.
Chemical Manufacturing
Bacteria play a crucial role in the chemical manufacturing sector. For instance, they are instrumental in producing acetone, enzymes, alcohol (ethanol), organic acids, and perfumes.
This process is not only efficient but also environmentally friendly, as it often reduces the need for harsh chemicals and extreme conditions typically required in traditional chemical manufacturing.
Dietary Supplements and Pharmaceuticals
Bacteria are essential in the production of dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals. Certain vitamins, used as external food supplements, are produced using bacteria. For example, E. coli bacteria are utilized to produce D-amino acids like D-p-hydroxyphenylglycine, an important intermediate in synthesizing the antibiotic amoxicillin.
Pest Control
Biological pest control uses bacteria as a substitute for chemical pesticides. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt.) and soil-dwelling bacteria are commonly employed in this process. Bt. bacteria produce toxins harmful to specific insect pests, making them an effective and environmentally friendly pest control agent.
Production of Acetic Acid
Acetobacter aceti is used to produce vinegar (acetic acid). In this biochemical process, ethanol is converted into acetic acid (CH₃COOH) by the action of these bacteria. This method is a cornerstone in vinegar production, providing a natural and efficient way to produce this essential condiment.
Vitamin Production
Several bacterial species are involved in the commercial production of vitamins:
- Clostridium butylicum is used to prepare riboflavin (vitamin B12) and butyric acid.
- E. coli bacteria produce vitamins E and K, among others. These bacteria reside in the intestines of humans and herbivores, aiding in food digestion and vitamin production.
- Ruminococcus species in herbivores help digest cellulose by secreting cellulase, enabling these animals to derive energy from plant-based diets.
- Bacillus and Propionibacterium produce vitamin B12.
Retting of Fibers
Bacteria are used to separate fibers from plants, a process known as retting. This bacterial action breaks down the pectin that binds fibers together, facilitating their extraction for use in textiles and other industries.
Bioremediation
Bioremediation employs bacteria to remove pollutants from contaminated water, soil, and other materials. For example:
- In the Ganga River, Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus and bacteriophages help eliminate polluting bacteria, purifying the water.
- Alcanivorax borkumensis is used to degrade oil in seawater, cleaning up oil spills.
Pollution Indicators
E. coli bacteria serve as indicators of water pollution. The presence of these bacteria signifies fecal contamination, and their quantity can determine the level of pollution in water bodies.
Genetic Engineering
Genetic engineering, or genetic modification, involves the direct manipulation of an organism’s genes using biotechnology. E. coli and Agrobacterium bacteria are commonly used in this process, enabling the development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for various applications, including agriculture and medicine.
Curing and Flavoring
Bacteria are also involved in the curing or flavoring of tea and processing of tobacco leaves. Bacillus megatherium and Micrococcus conscience are used to enhance the flavor and quality of these products through fermentation and other biochemical processes.
Medicines
Bacteria are essential for the production of many medicines such as manufacturing antibiotics, which are used to treat infections caused by other bacteria. Bacteria can also be used to produce hormones such as insulin, which is used to treat diabetes, and anti-cancer drugs.
Bacteria are also used to produce vaccines, which protect people from diseases. Finally, bacteria are used in bioremediation, which is the use of bacteria to clean up environmental pollutants.
Making Antibiotics
Anti means against and biotic means life, so any substances against an organism’s life are called antibiotics. Some substances produced by microorganisms that inhibit the growth of other microorganisms are called antibiotic substances. Many antibiotic medicines are obtained from bacteria.
1st antibiotic used in the 2nd world War by American soldiers is Streptomycin which is obtained from Streptomyces griseus (It is an actinomycete).
Bacteria are the source of many of the antibiotics that are used to fight infections. Antibiotics are made from compounds produced by bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. These compounds inhibit the growth of other microorganisms or kill them outright.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, skin infections, and pneumonia. Antibiotics can also be used to prevent infections and treat certain conditions. The use of antibiotics has saved countless lives and has contributed to improved health and quality of life.
- Streptomyces venezuelae – Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin)
- Streptomyces rimosus – Terramycin
- Streptomyces fradiae – Neomycin
- Streptomyces aureofaciens – Aureomycin
- Bacillus polymyxa – Polymyxin
- Bacillus subtilis – Antibiotics produced are three ribosomal antibiotics (TasA, Subtilosin, and Sublancin), four nonribosomal antibiotics (Bacitracin, Bacilysin, Plipastatin, and Surfactin), Bacilysocin, and Neotrehalosadiamine (NTD)
- Streptomyces strains – Tetracycline
Dairy Production
Food products made from lactic acid bacterial species are Carnobacterium, Enterococcus, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Leuconostoc, Oenococcus, Pediococcus, Streptococcus, and Weissella in which species of lactobacillus bacteria are more commonly used in the fermentation of dairy products are:
- Streptococcus lactis
- Lactobacillus lactis
Lactobacillus lactis increases vitamin B12 in curd, Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) also help in the disease-causing microbes in the stomach.
Nitrogen Fixation or diazotrophy
Bacteria play a crucial role in nitrogen fixation, a process vital for converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can absorb and utilize. Nitrogen fixation (N2 → NH3) is both a biological as well as a chemical process through which covalent bonded atmospheric nitrogen (N2), is converted into ammonia (NH3) or any nitrogenous compounds like amino acids, nitrate, and ammonium salts.
This process can occur both symbiotically or asymbiotically. Where nitrogen has a nonzero oxidation state, this is done typically in soil or aquatic systems and also artificially in industry. Nitrogen fixation is done by two processes:
Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation
In symbiotic nitrogen fixation, bacteria live in close association with plants, often within their tissues, and convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, which plants can use for growth. Here are some key bacteria involved in symbiotic nitrogen fixation:
- Azorhizobium: This bacterium forms stem nodules in the plant Sesbania, contributing significantly to nitrogen fixation.
- Azospirillum: Found on the root surface of cereals such as rice, maize, and wheat, Azospirillum engages in superficial symbiosis, aiding in nitrogen fixation.
- Bradyrhizobium: These bacteria are known for forming root nodules in legumes, enhancing nitrogen availability for the plants.
- Frankia: Unlike most nitrogen-fixing bacteria that associate with legumes, Frankia forms root nodules in non-leguminous plants like Casuarina and Alnus.
- Rhizobium: Perhaps the most well-known symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria, Rhizobium species form root nodules in legumes, significantly boosting nitrogen levels in the soil.
- Sinorhizobium: This genus also forms symbiotic relationships with legumes, playing a vital role in nitrogen fixation.
Asymbiotic Nitrogen Fixation
Asymbiotic nitrogen fixation involves bacteria that live freely in the soil, independently converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants. Some notable bacteria in this category include:
- Azospirillum: In addition to its symbiotic role, Azospirillum can also function asymbiotically in the soil.
- Azotobacter: These free-living soil bacteria are known for their high nitrogen-fixing capabilities.
- Bacillus: Certain Bacillus species are effective nitrogen fixers in the soil.
- Beijerinckia: This genus includes free-living nitrogen-fixing bacteria that contribute to soil fertility.
- Clostridium: Known for its anaerobic nitrogen fixation, Clostridium plays a significant role in enriching soil nitrogen content.
- Chromatium: A photosynthetic bacterium that can fix nitrogen asymbiotically in the soil.
- Rhodomicrobium: Another photosynthetic bacterium, Rhodomicrobium, is involved in asymbiotic nitrogen fixation.
- Rhodopseudomonas: These purple non-sulfur bacteria can fix nitrogen under anaerobic conditions.
- Rhodospirillum: Known for its versatility, Rhodospirillum can fix nitrogen in various environmental conditions, contributing to soil nitrogen levels.
The industrial applications of these bacteria are vast, ranging from enhancing soil fertility in agriculture to biofertilizer production. By harnessing the natural nitrogen-fixing capabilities of these bacteria, industries can promote sustainable farming practices, reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, and improve crop yields.
Ammonification
The process of formation of ammonia is called ammonification. Ammonifying bacteria help in the process of ammonification (Protein → NH3). It is a biological process, these bacteria convert protein (present in decaying plants and animals) into ammonia (NH3).
- Bacillus Vulgaris
- Bacillus Romosus
- Bacillus Mycoids
Nitrification
Nitrification is done by nitrifying bacteria which are chemoautotrophs, in which bacteria convert ammonia (NH3) into nitrite (NO2–) and further nitrate (NO3–) and it is a biological process.
- Nitrosomonas (2NH3 + 3O2 → 2NO2– + 2H+ + 2H2O + Energy)
- Nitrococcus (2NH3 + 3O2 → 2NO2– + 2H+ + 2H2O + Energy)
- Nitrobacter (2NO2 + O2 → 2NO3– + Energy)
- Nitrocystis (2NO2 + O2 → 2NO3– + Energy)
Harmful Activities of Bacteria
Diseases caused by bacteria in human beings
| Disease | Bacterium |
| Cholera | Vibrio cholerae |
| Leprosy | Mycobacterium leprae |
| Tetanus | Clostridium tetani |
| Tuberculosis (T.B) | Mycobacterium tuberculosis |
| Typhoid | Salmonella typhi |
Disease caused by bacteria in animals
| Disease | Bacterium |
| Anthrax | Bacillus anthracis |
| Blackleg | Clostridium chauvoei |
Disease caused by bacteria in plants
| Disease | Bacterium |
| Bacterial leaf blight of rice | Xanthomonas oryzae |
| Blackleg and soft rot of potato | Erwinia carotovora atroseptica |
| Black rot of crucifers | Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) |
| Citrus canker | Xanthomonas citri |
| Crown gall in many plants | Agrobacterium tumefaciens |
Denitrifying bacteria
Denitrifying bacteria help in the process of denitrification (NO3- → N2) which is both a biological as well as abiological process, in which some bacteria convert soil nitrates (NO3–) into nitrites (NO2–) and then nitrogen (N2) this process is called denitrification. These bacteria reduce the fertility of the soil.
- Thiobacillus denitrificans
- Pseudomonas denitrificans
- Micrococcus denitrificans
Food poisoning or Foodborne illness
Botulism is caused by Clostridium botulinum and sometimes Clostridium butyricum and Clostridium baratii – It is an obligate anaerobe. It can not survive in our body because of the presence of oxygen (aerobic environment). It is a rare and the most lethal type of food poisoning.
These bacteria only survive in the absence of oxygen. These bacteria multiply in canned food. Their toxins attack the parasympathetic nervous system, which leads to paralysis of both smooth and striped muscles that results in difficulty in breathing which causes asphyxia and leads to immediate death.
Biological Weapons
Some bacteria are used as bioweapons such as:
- Bacillus anthracis (rod-shaped, gram-positive bacteria)— Causes Anthrax, a serious infectious disease. It can be found naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals all around the world.
- Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium butyricum, Clostridium baratii— Causing food poisoning.
- Vibrio cholerae— Causes Cholera by infecting the intestine. It is an acute diarrheal illness in which people can get sick when they take food or water contaminated by cholera bacteria. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe and becomes life-threatening.
Water Pollution
Several bacterial forms cause water pollution. These bacteria spoil the water and make it unfit for living organisms.
- Salmonella typhi
- Vibrio Cholerae
Nutrient cycling
Bacteria are essential for life on Earth, playing important roles in the cycle of nutrients and energy. They break down organic matter, such as dead plants and animals, into nutrients that can be used by other organisms. Additionally, bacteria can help to form healthy soil, which is important for plant growth.
In conclusion, bacteria are indispensable in various industrial applications within biotechnology. Their ability to produce chemicals, vitamins, and pharmaceuticals, control pests, remediate pollution, and aid in genetic engineering showcases their versatility and importance in advancing industrial and environmental biotechnology.
FAQs
Q: What is the economic importance of bacteria?
A: Bacteria are important economically, as they are used in a wide range of industries and applications. For example, bacteria are used in the production of food, medicines, and bioremediation. Bacteria are also used to make bioplastics, biofuels, and other bioproducts.
Bacterial enzymes are used in the production of detergents, enzymes, and other industrial products. Additionally, bacteria are used in the treatment of wastewater and sewage and are also used to produce biogas.
Q: What economic benefits do bacteria provide?
A: Bacteria can have a range of economic benefits, including providing food sources, generating bioproducts, aiding in bioremediation, and aiding in the production of biofuels. Bacteria can also be used in the production of certain medicines and biotechnology.
Q: How are bacteria used in bioremediation?
A: Bacteria are used in bioremediation as they can break down and remove pollutants in the environment, such as oil and other hazardous chemicals. This process helps to clean up contaminated sites, making them safe for people and animals.
Q: How are bacteria used in the production of medicines?
A: Bacteria are used in the production of certain medicines, such as antibiotics, which are used to treat bacterial infections. Bacteria can also be used in the production of vaccines, which help to protect people from certain illnesses.
Q: How do bacteria aid in the production of biofuels?
A: Bacteria can be used in the production of biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel. Bacteria can break down organic matter, such as corn and other plants, and convert them into usable forms of energy.