Microbes in Human Welfare

Important contributions of microbes in human welfare include medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. In all these processes, microbes like bacteria, fungi, and viruses play an important role in fermentation, the production of antibiotics, etc., and the generation of biogas. This is an important chapter of Biology included in the class 12 syllabus. For the students who are going to appear for NEET, AIIMS, nursing and other paramedical exams, it is essential to learn about the contribution of microbes.

Also Read:

• MCQ Practice on Microbes
• BioControl Agents
• Biofertilizers
• Biotechnology Principles and Process

Introduction to Microbes in Human Welfare

Bacteria or microorganisms make up the bulk of the earth's biological systems. They are everywhere - inside the soil, around us, in the water, in the air we breathe, both inside and out of our body. Animals and plants also contain viruses or microorganisms. They are very small, naturally microscopic, varying in shape and size. They can only be seen with a microscope.

The different types of microbes are:

• Algae
• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Protozoa
• Virus

Several beneficial microorganisms that benefit people in various ways besides germs that cause infectious diseases. Some of the most important contributions of microbes to human well-being are discussed below.

In Household Products

• Fermentation of milk to prepare yoghurt.
• Wrap the milk to prepare the curd, cheese, and paneer.
• Fermentation of dough used in making bread, idli, and dosa.

In Industrial Products

• Production Beverages such as wine, beer, whiskey, brandy, or rum.
• Producing antibiotics such as Penicillin and other chemical compounds to kill or prevent the spread of disease-causing bacteria.
• A few chemicals, enzymes and other bioactive molecules are also produced by these bacteria for use in humans in various ways.

In Sewage Treatment

• Sewage is treated with waste disposal systems (STPs) before disposal to reduce the natural pollution caused by heterotrophic bacteria present in the faeces. Treatment is divided into two phases - Basic Treatment, Second Treatment or Biological Treatment
• These processes greatly reduce the biochemical oxygen demand of wastewater. BOD is the amount of oxygen that could be used if every living thing was a litre of water. Sewage is treated to minimize the BOD effect as the BOD measures microbial absorption rate by a water sample. Therefore, the BOD may be a measure of the biodiversity present in water. In addition to the oxygen demand of living organisms, their increase is due to their pollution potential.

In Biogas production

• Methanobacterium, commonly found in anaerobic mud, is used to facilitate stool treatment. They are also found in the herdsmen region.
• Cow dung, also known as Gobar, is rich in bacteria and is therefore used for the production of biogas commonly known as Gobar gas.

As Biocontrol Agents

• The use of biological methods to control pests and diseases in plants is called biocontrol which has been found to contain chemicals - pesticides.
• The use of biological control measures will significantly reduce dependence on toxic chemicals and pesticides to a large extent.
• Biological farming improves health practices such as sectoral living, insect and predatory animals, health cycles, and dietary patterns that help to create appropriate environmental management practices.
• Bacillus thuringiensis, found as dried seeds, and sprayed on endangered plants is one example of a Microbial biocontrol agent.
• The development of genetic engineering has enabled scientists to duplicate B genes. thuringiensis in the body of the plant thus making them resistant to pests. Example - Bt cotton.
• Most baculoviruses used as biological control agents belong to the genus Nucleopolyhedrovirus.

NCERT Notes Subject Wise Link:

• NCERT notes Class 12 Maths
• NCERT notes Class 12 Physics
• NCERT notes Class 12 Chemistry
• NCERT notes Class 12 Biology

Microbes in Human Welfare NEET PYQs and Important Topics

Based on NEET PYQs, these types of questions are frequently asked about microbes in human welfare:

• The contribution of microorganisms in the production of antibiotics.
• Fermentation and its uses.
• Biofertilizers and their contribution to agriculture.
• Biogas production and its role in sustainable energy.

NCERT Solutions Subject-wise link:

• NCERT solutions for class 12 Physics
• NCERT solutions for class 12 Chemistry
• NCERT solutions for class 12 Mathematics
• NCERT solutions for class 12 Biology

Important Questions on Microbes in Human Welfare for NEET and Class 12

The table shows some important questions asked on microbes in human welfare in the NEET exam:

NCERT Exemplar Solutions Subject-wise link:

• NCERT exemplar solutions for class 12 Physics
• NCERT exemplar solutions for class 12 Chemistry
• NCERT exemplar solutions for class 12 Mathematics
• NCERT exemplar solutions for class 12 Biology

Tips, Tricks, and Strategies to Prepare for Microbes in Human Welfare

Here are some tips and tricks to prepare for Microbes in Human Welfare:

Mnemonics

Create mnemonics such as "FABBB" so as to help remember the essential benefits of microbes; Fermentation, Antibiotics, Biofertilizers, Biogas, and Bioremediation.

Study Aids

Identify diagrams or flowcharts illustrating the processes of microbial functions, for instance, fermentation and production of antibiotics.

Show comparisons in tables on different kinds of microbes employed in agriculture, medicine, and industry.

Multimedia

Watch animations or videos that detail the different microbial processes in terms of fermentation, nitrogen fixation, and bioremediation.

Flashcards

Use flashcards to memorize important microbes and their roles in human welfare-for example, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which is used for fermentation, or Penicillium, which produces antibiotics.

NCERT Books Link:

• NCERT book for class 11 Biology
• NCERT book for class 12 Biology

Types of Questions on Microbes in Human Welfare in Exams

Weightage of Microbes in Human Welfare in Different Exams

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