Microbial Interactions & Microbial Ecology

Microorganisms include those organisms which are too tiny to be observed by naked eyes. They may be either unicellular or multicellular. They can be beneficial, harmless or disease causing pathogen. The elemental cycles taking place in the environment are highlighting examples of the beneficial role of microorganism. Microorganisms are a crucial part of the ecosystem and take part in activities like production of minerals like nitrogen, gases like oxygen, carbon dioxide, cleaning by action on dead matters etc. In various industries, microbes are used intentionally due to their role in human welfare and they are considered as beneficial microbes. 

 

Beneficial microorganisms cause fermentation while harmful or pathogenic microorganisms cause putrefaction. Fermentation is a process by which useful substances such as alcohol, amino acids, organic acids and antioxidants are produced. These substances are useful to man, plants, and animals. Some beneficial microorganisms that are found in growing plants are healthy for human consumption as well as in producing other useful products to man.