economic importance of bacteria

Question 1

Name 3 benefits of bacteria

Answer 1

1. They are used to convert milk to products such as butter and cheese.
2. Bacteria are involved in the production of vinegar, silage, pickles and antibiotics.
3. genetically modified bacteria are sued to make products such as insulin, drugs, enzymes, amino acids, vitamins and alcohols.

Question 2

Name 2 disadvantages of bacteria

Answer 2

1. Bacteria cause food to decay. They cause milk to turn sour.
2. Bacteria cause human, animal and plant diseases such as tuberculosis, whooping cough, food poisoning and septic throat.

Question 3

Explain how tooth decay happens

Answer 3

Bacteria in the mouth convert sugars to acid, which then dissolves the outer layer of enamel on teeth, causing tooth decay.