All bacteria is not evil. There are much more good bacteria than bad. The bad bacteria is just really, really bad so we get very freaked out about all bacteria. These microbes, or at least some of them, deserve another shot at our hearts. Over the past few years scientists have found that of all the bacteria in our bodies, the ones that generally do harm are by far the minority. In fact, many bacteria that are most of the time beneficial have been discovered. 1. Bifidobacterium Longum This microorganism is found in large amounts in the intestines of infants. They release several acids which make an environment that is toxic to many bad bacteria. In this way, they serve to protect the baby. Bacteroides Thetaiotamicron Humans cannot on their own digest many plant food molecules. Present in the GI tract, the bacteria Bacteroides thetaiotamicron break down such molecules. This allows humans to digest plants and grains. Without these microbes vegetarians would be in trouble. Lactobacillus Johnsonii This bacterium is of critical importance to humans, especially infants. It is found in the gut and makes the process of milk digestion smoother. Escherichia Coli Escherichia coli bacteria help produce the vital vitamin K in humans' guts. Lots of this vitamin allows humans' blood clotting mechanisms to function properly. This vitamin is also needed for other purposes. Viridans Streptococci These microbes thrive in the throat. Though humans are not born with them, as infants cultures find a way of getting in. They grow there so well that they leave little space for other, more harmful bacteria to colonize. Did you ever think you could love bacteria so much??
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Mrs. TaylorI love science! Everything about the world is interesting and never boring. I love to study plants, animals, insects, and people. My favorite subjects are my students who are the most unique organisms on the planet! Categories |