Back to: MICROBIOLOGY 400 LEVEL
Welcome to class!
Hello there, my dedicated learner. It’s always a joy to have you here. You’re doing something powerful—choosing to grow your knowledge and sharpen your skills. Today, we’re learning about something truly important and practical—Overview of Industrially Relevant Microorganisms. These are the tiny but mighty helpers behind so many of the things we use, eat, and rely on every day. Let’s get into it.
Overview Of Industrially Relevant Microorganisms
Microorganisms are not just things that cause diseases or spoil food. In fact, many of them are useful, especially in industries. From helping us produce antibiotics, alcohol and bread, to aiding in waste treatment and energy production—microbes play a huge role.
These microorganisms are selected based on their ability to carry out specific processes efficiently. Scientists and industries work with them to produce goods in large quantities. For example, in a pharmaceutical company, a bacterium may be used to produce insulin or antibiotics. In a brewery, yeast is used to ferment sugar into alcohol. In agriculture, microbes are used to improve soil fertility or protect crops from pests.
Types of Industrially Important Microorganisms
There are four major groups of microorganisms used in industries:
1. Bacteria
Bacteria are very versatile and used in several industries. A common industrial bacterium is Lactobacillus, which helps in the production of yoghurt and other fermented dairy products. Streptomyces is another important genus that produces antibiotics like streptomycin. Some bacteria like Bacillus thuringiensis are used in agriculture to control insect pests.
2. Fungi
Many fungi, especially moulds and yeasts, are useful in industrial microbiology. Penicillium is famous for producing penicillin, the first true antibiotic. Yeasts like Saccharomyces cerevisiae are essential in baking and brewing industries, where they ferment sugar to produce carbon dioxide or alcohol.
3. Algae
Although not as commonly used as bacteria and fungi, some algae are important. For example, Spirulina and Chlorella are used as dietary supplements because they are rich in protein and vitamins. Algae are also used in producing biofuels and in wastewater treatment.
4. Viruses
Even though viruses are usually seen as harmful, they have industrial uses too. In biotechnology, some viruses are used as vectors to carry genetic material into host cells for the production of vaccines or for genetic engineering.
Think about bread rising in the oven—yeast is behind that process. Or consider the antibiotics you take when you’re ill—those often come from bacteria or fungi. Even the nitrogen-fixing bacteria added to farming soils in Nigeria help increase crop yields by enriching the soil naturally. These are all everyday examples of microbes doing valuable industrial work.
Summary
- Industrially relevant microorganisms are microbes used by industries to produce useful products and services.
- Bacteria like Lactobacillus and Streptomyces are used in dairy production and antibiotic manufacturing.
- Fungi such as Penicillium and Saccharomyces cerevisiae are used in producing antibiotics, bread, and alcohol.
- Algae are used in food supplements, biofuel production, and wastewater treatment.
- Some viruses are applied in biotechnology, especially in vaccine development and genetic engineering.
Evaluation
- Mention two ways bacteria are used in industries.
- What microorganism is commonly used in baking and brewing, and why?
- Identify one industrial use of algae and one of viruses.
These microbes may be tiny, but your understanding of them is growing bigger and stronger with every lesson. Stay curious and keep learning. Afrilearn is here to support you every step of the way. See you in the next class.