FUNGAL
AND
BACTERIAL
BIOLOGY
Economic Importance of
Bacteria and Fungi
Aditya Singh
Class:9th D,14
General Characteristics of Bacterias
Cell Wall: Most bacteria have a cell wall
Prokaryotic Cells: Bacteria are unicellular
that provides structure and protection.
organisms that lack a true nucleus and
The composition of the cell wall varies
membrane-bound organelles. Their genetic
among different bacterial species.
material is typically a single circular
chromosome located in the nucleoid region.
Reproduction: Bacteria reproduce
Shapes and Arrangements: Bacteria
primarily through binary fission, a process
exhibit various shapes including spherical
where a single cell divides into two
(cocci), rod-shaped (bacilli), and spiral
daughter cells, each genetically identical to
(spirilla or spirochetes).
the parent cell.
General Characteristics
of Fungi
Cell Wall: Fungi have cell
Eukaryotic Cells: Fungi are walls primarily composed of
multicellular organisms chitin, a complex
composed of eukaryotic cells, polysaccharide. This provides
meaning they have a true structural support and
nucleus and membrane-bound protection for the fungal cells. Reproduction: Fungi
organelles. reproduce through the
production of spores and has a
Heterotrophic nutrition that is
it feeds on dead or decaying
matter
Types of Bacterias
Bacteria play diverse roles in ecosystems, industries, and
human health. Here is some introduction of both useful
and harmful bacteria :
Useful Bacteria:
Bioremediation: Some bacteria are capable of breaking
down and detoxifying pollutants in the environment through
a process called bioremediation
Nitrogen Fixation: Certain bacteria, like Rhizobium species,
form symbiotic relationships with plants, particularly
legumes. These bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into a
form that plants can use for growth, thereby enriching soil
fertility.
Harmful Bacteria:
Pathogens: Many bacteria are pathogens that can cause
diseases in humans, animals, and plants. Examples include
Escherichia coli, which can cause food poisoning;
Salmonella species, which can cause gastrointestinal
infections; and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which causes
tuberculosis.
Infectious Diseases: Bacteria are responsible for a wide
range of infectious diseases, including pneumonia (caused by
Streptococcus pneumoniae), cholera (caused by Vibrio
cholerae), and meningitis (caused by Neisseria meningitidis).
Food Spoilage: Certain bacteria can spoil food by producing
toxins or causing off-flavors and odors. For example, species
of Clostridium and Bacillus can cause food spoilage and
foodborne illnesses if contaminated food is consumed.
Two examples of useful bacteria
Lactobacillus acidophilus: This bacterium is commonly found in
yogurt and other fermented foods.
Acetobacter in Vinegar Production: Acetobacter are bacteria
commonly found in environments rich in sugars or alcohols.
Two examples of harmful bacteria
Salmonella : Salmonella bacteria are a common cause of
foodborne illness worldwide. They can be found in a variety of
foods
Clostridium difficile : Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that
can cause severe gastrointestinal infections, primarily in
individuals who have recently taken antibiotics or have other
risk factors that disrupt the normal balance of gut bacteria.
Types of fungi
Fungi also play diverse roles in ecosystems, industries, and
human health .Here is some introduction of both useful and harmful
fungi :
Useful Fungi:
Antibiotics Production: Certain fungi produce antibiotics that
are used in medicine to treat bacterial infections. Penicillium
fungi, for example, produce penicillin, the first antibiotic
discovered, which revolutionized the treatment of bacterial
diseases.
Biodegradation: Fungi are proficient decomposers and play a
crucial role in breaking down organic matter in the
environment. They contribute to nutrient cycling and soil
formation by decomposing dead plant material, wood, and
other organic substrates
Harmful Fungi:
Pathogens: Fungi can cause diseases in plants, animals,
and humans. Plant pathogens such as Fusarium species can
lead to crop diseases like Fusarium wilt in tomatoes and
potatoes. In animals and humans, fungi like Candida
albicans can cause opportunistic infections, including oral
thrush and yeast infections.
Toxigenic Fungi: Certain fungi produce toxins called
mycotoxins, which can contaminate food and feed crops
Wood Decay: Fungi like Serpula lacrymans (dry rot
fungus) and Coniophora puteana (cellar fungus) can cause
structural damage to buildings and wooden structures by
breaking down cellulose and lignin, leading to wood decay
and degradation.
Allergies: Fungal spores can trigger allergic reactions in
susceptible individuals
Two examples of useful fungi
Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Commonly known as baker's yeast or
brewer's yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a single-celled fungus
widely used in baking, brewing, and winemaking.
Penicillium : Penicillium fungi have been used for centuries to
produce antibiotics, most notably penicillin.
Two examples of harmful fungi
Aspergillus : Some species of Aspergillus, such as Aspergillus flavus and
Aspergillus fumigatus, can produce toxins called mycotoxins, which pose
health risks to humans and animals.
Candida albicans: Candida albicans is a type of yeast that is part of the
normal human microbiota, commonly found in the mouth, digestive tract,
and genital area. However, under certain conditions such as weakened
immune function, hormonal changes, or disruption of the normal microbial
balance Candida albicans can overgrow and cause infections.
Bibliography and Acknowledgement
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my parents and my teacher for
their invaluable guidance and expertise in enlightening me about the captivating
realm of fungal and bacterial biology. Their insightful instruction and patient
responses to my queries have greatly enhanced my understanding of the diverse
roles bacteria and fungi play in our world.
I have taken the references related to this topic from:-
https://www.google.com
