Microorganisms and Their Impact on Health

What role do microorganisms in the alimentary canal of animals play?

What is the primary function of antibodies produced when microorganisms enter the body?

Which method is primarily used for administering vaccines?

What discovery is Edward Jenner known for?

What is one function of biological nitrogen fixers in agriculture?

How do probiotics help in maintaining health?

What process do decomposers, like bacteria and fungi, primarily perform in the environment?

What is a significant way microorganisms contribute to energy production?

Importance in Human Health

Many microorganisms in the digestive system of animals (like cows) aid digestion and nutrient absorption.
Microorganisms also produce chemicals (like penicillin, tetracycline) that inhibit the growth and function of other microorganisms.
Antibiotics are crucial for treating infections (tuberculosis, cholera) but should be used correctly.

Microorganisms in Agriculture

Some bacteria and blue-green algae can convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms.
They are called biological nitrogen fixers.
Rhizobium bacteria are present in the root nodules of legumes and improve soil nitrogen levels.
Some cyanobacteria perform similar nitrogen fixation in rice fields.

Immunity

When microorganisms (bacteria or viruses) enter the body, specialized blood cells (like antibodies) recognize and destroy them.
This response helps the body "remember" the invading organism, building immunity.
Vaccination stimulates antibody production to build immunity against infectious diseases.
Vaccines are suspensions or derivatives of microorganisms, inactivated or weakened.

Use in Energy/Fuel Production

Many microorganisms create ethanol by fermenting sugars and methane in biogas reactors for fuel.

Cleaning the Environment

Decomposers (bacteria and fungi) break down dead plants and animals to recycle nutrients.
These nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium) are returned to the soil and are essential for plant growth.

This quiz explores the vital role microorganisms play in human health, agriculture, and immunity. You'll learn about their contributions to digestion, antibiotic production, and how they help build immunity through vaccinations. Test your knowledge on their applications and significance in everyday life.