| Microbe | Role | Example | Application | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lactobacillus | Produces lactic acid | Yogurt, cheese | Improves digestion and gut health | Lactobacillus species play a key role in fermenting dairy products like yogurt and cheese, enhancing their flavor and texture, while also promoting digestive health through the production of lactic acid. |
| Saccharomyces cerevisiae | Converts sugars to ethanol | Bread, beer, wine | Provides leavening and flavor | Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as baker's yeast, is instrumental in the fermentation process of bread, beer, and wine. Its ability to convert sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide not only leavens bread but also contributes to the characteristic flavors of alcoholic beverages. |
| Rhizobium | Fixes atmospheric nitrogen | Legume crops | Enhances soil fertility and crop yields | Rhizobium forms symbiotic relationships with legume plants, enabling them to fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be utilized by the plant. This enhances soil fertility and promotes healthy crop growth, making it an essential component of sustainable agriculture. |
| Streptomyces griseus | Produces antibiotic streptomycin | Medicine | Treats bacterial infections | Streptomyces griseus is a prolific producer of the antibiotic streptomycin, which has been vital in combating various bacterial infections in medicine, although its use has declined due to widespread resistance. |
| Escherichia coli (certain strains) | Produces vitamin K | Supplements | Supports proper blood function | Certain strains of Escherichia coli are capable of producing vitamin K, a vital nutrient that plays a key role in blood coagulation and bone metabolism. |
| Deinococcus radiodurans | Highly resistant to radiation | Bioremediation | Cleans up radioactive waste | Deinococcus radiodurans boasts extraordinary resistance to radiation and is employed in bioremediation efforts to clean up radioactive waste sites. Its ability to survive extreme environmental conditions makes it a promising candidate for various biotechnological applications. |
| Nitrosomonas / Nitrobacter | Convert ammonia to nitrite and then nitrate | Nitrogen cycle | Enables plants to utilize nitrogen for growth | Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter are essential players in the nitrogen cycle, converting ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate, which can be utilized by plants for growth. This process, known as nitrification, is crucial for maintaining soil fertility and agricultural productivity. |
| Mycorrhizal fungi | Form symbiotic associations with plant roots | Various plants | Improve plant growth, nutrient uptake, and resistance to stress | Mycorrhizal fungi establish symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake, water absorption, and resistance to environmental stresses. |
| Cyanobacteria (e.g., Anabaena) | Fix atmospheric nitrogen and add organic matter to soil | Aquatic ecosystems | Enriches soil fertility and promotes plant growth | Cyanobacteria like Anabaena are pivotal in aquatic ecosystems, where they fix atmospheric nitrogen and contribute organic matter to the soil upon death, enriching soil fertility and supporting plant growth. |
| Acetobacter aceti | Converts alcohol to acetic acid | Vinegar | Adds flavor and acidity to food, and has antimicrobial properties | Acetobacter aceti plays a crucial role in the production of vinegar by converting alcohol into acetic acid. Beyond adding flavor and acidity to food, vinegar also possesses antimicrobial properties and is used for various culinary and household purposes. |
| Clostridium butyricum | Produces butyric acid | Supplements, biofuel production | May contribute to improved digestion and immune function, renewable energy source | Clostridium butyricum is capable of producing butyric acid, which may have beneficial effects on digestion and immune function. Additionally, it holds promise as a renewable energy source through its potential role in biofuel production. |
| Aspergillus niger | Produces citric acid | Food and beverage industry | Adds tartness and acidity to products | Aspergillus niger is widely used in the food and beverage industry for its ability to produce citric acid, which imparts tartness and acidity to various products, including beverages, candies, and baked goods. |
| Streptokinase | Dissolves blood clots | Medicine | Used in patients who have suffered heart attacks | Streptokinase is employed in medicine for its ability to dissolve blood clots, making it a vital therapy for patients who have suffered heart attacks or strokes. |
| Cyclosporin A | Prevents rejection of organ transplants | Medicine | Used in immunosuppressive therapy | Cyclosporin A is a potent immunosuppressive agent utilized in organ transplant recipients to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ by the immune system. |
| Red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) | Lowers blood cholesterol levels | Food supplement | Alternative to statin medications | Red yeast rice, produced by Monascus purpureus, contains compounds that lower blood cholesterol levels, offering a natural alternative to statin medications for managing cholesterol levels. |
| Lipase | Breaks down fats and oils | Detergents, cleaning products | Improves cleaning efficiency | Lipase enzymes are utilized in detergents and cleaning products to break down fats and oils, enhancing their cleaning efficiency. |
| Pectinases and Proteases | Help create clearer and more stable juices | Juice processing | Improves juice quality | Pectinases and proteases are enzymes used in juice processing to break down pectin and proteins, respectively, resulting in clearer and more stable juices with improved quality and shelf life. |
| Trichoderma | Suppresses plant pathogens | Biocontrol agent | Used to control various plant diseases | Trichoderma species are employed as biocontrol agents to suppress plant pathogens, offering an environmentally friendly approach to managing various plant diseases in agriculture. |
| Baculoviruses (Nucleopolyhedrovirus) | Infect and kill specific insects | Narrow-spectrum insecticide | Controls insect pests without harming other animals | Baculoviruses, specifically nucleopolyhedroviruses, infect and kill specific insects, making them effective narrow-spectrum insecticides that target pests while minimizing harm to beneficial insects and other animals. |
| Propionibacterium sharmanii | Produces CO2 | Swiss cheese | Forms large holes in Swiss cheese | Propionibacterium sharmanii produces CO2 gas during the fermentation process of Swiss cheese, resulting in the formation of characteristic large holes throughout the cheese's interior. |
| Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) | Produces insecticidal toxins | Organic pest control spray, Bt-cotton | Controls insect pests specific to moths, butterflies, and beetles | Over 3,000 strains exist, each producing different toxins targeting specific insects. Considered safe for humans and most non-target organisms. |
| Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) | Produces insecticidal toxins | Organic mosquito control, larvicide for blackflies and other dipterans | Highly effective against mosquito larvae, but harmless to most other insects and beneficial organisms | A specific subspecies of Bt with toxins targeting mosquito larvae and other dipterans. |
| Penicillium | Produces various antibiotics and other bioactive compounds | Penicillin G, Roquefort cheese, Camembert cheese | Medicine, food production | Discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming. Over 200 species exist, with diverse applications. |
| Roquefort cheese | Penicillium roqueforti | Ripening & flavor development | Strong, pungent flavor, blue veins, crumbly texture, made from sheep's milk | Penicillium roqueforti is responsible for the characteristic flavor and appearance of Roquefort cheese. |
| Camembert cheese | Penicillium camemberti | Ripening & flavor development | Creamy, soft texture | Penicillium camemberti contributes to the ripening and distinctive flavor of Camembert cheese, resulting in its creamy texture and earthy taste. |
| Microbe | Role | Example | Application | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lactobacillus | Produces lactic acid | Yogurt, cheese | Improves digestion and gut health | Lactobacillus species play a key role in fermenting dairy products like yogurt and cheese, enhancing their flavor and texture, while also promoting digestive health through the production of lactic acid. |
| Saccharomyces cerevisiae | Converts sugars to ethanol | Bread, beer, wine | Provides leavening and flavor | Saccharomyces cerevisiae, commonly known as baker's yeast, is instrumental in the fermentation process of bread, beer, and wine. Its ability to convert sugars into ethanol and carbon dioxide not only leavens bread but also contributes to the characteristic flavors of alcoholic beverages. |
| Rhizobium | Fixes atmospheric nitrogen | Legume crops | Enhances soil fertility and crop yields | Rhizobium forms symbiotic relationships with legume plants, enabling them to fix atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be utilized by the plant. This enhances soil fertility and promotes healthy crop growth, making it an essential component of sustainable agriculture. |
| Streptomyces griseus | Produces antibiotic streptomycin | Medicine | Treats bacterial infections | Streptomyces griseus is a prolific producer of the antibiotic streptomycin, which has been vital in combating various bacterial infections in medicine, although its use has declined due to widespread resistance. |
| Escherichia coli (certain strains) | Produces vitamin K | Supplements | Supports proper blood function | Certain strains of Escherichia coli are capable of producing vitamin K, a vital nutrient that plays a key role in blood coagulation and bone metabolism. |
| Deinococcus radiodurans | Highly resistant to radiation | Bioremediation | Cleans up radioactive waste | Deinococcus radiodurans boasts extraordinary resistance to radiation and is employed in bioremediation efforts to clean up radioactive waste sites. Its ability to survive extreme environmental conditions makes it a promising candidate for various biotechnological applications. |
| Nitrosomonas / Nitrobacter | Convert ammonia to nitrite and then nitrate | Nitrogen cycle | Enables plants to utilize nitrogen for growth | Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter are essential players in the nitrogen cycle, converting ammonia to nitrite and then to nitrate, which can be utilized by plants for growth. This process, known as nitrification, is crucial for maintaining soil fertility and agricultural productivity. |
| Mycorrhizal fungi | Form symbiotic associations with plant roots | Various plants | Improve plant growth, nutrient uptake, and resistance to stress | Mycorrhizal fungi establish symbiotic relationships with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake, water absorption, and resistance to environmental stresses. |
| Cyanobacteria (e.g., Anabaena) | Fix atmospheric nitrogen and add organic matter to soil | Aquatic ecosystems | Enriches soil fertility and promotes plant growth | Cyanobacteria like Anabaena are pivotal in aquatic ecosystems, where they fix atmospheric nitrogen and contribute organic matter to the soil upon death, enriching soil fertility and supporting plant growth. |
| Acetobacter aceti | Converts alcohol to acetic acid | Vinegar | Adds flavor and acidity to food, and has antimicrobial properties | Acetobacter aceti plays a crucial role in the production of vinegar by converting alcohol into acetic acid. Beyond adding flavor and acidity to food, vinegar also possesses antimicrobial properties and is used for various culinary and household purposes. |
| Clostridium butyricum | Produces butyric acid | Supplements, biofuel production | May contribute to improved digestion and immune function, renewable energy source | Clostridium butyricum is capable of producing butyric acid, which may have beneficial effects on digestion and immune function. Additionally, it holds promise as a renewable energy source through its potential role in biofuel production. |
| Aspergillus niger | Produces citric acid | Food and beverage industry | Adds tartness and acidity to products | Aspergillus niger is widely used in the food and beverage industry for its ability to produce citric acid, which imparts tartness and acidity to various products, including beverages, candies, and baked goods. |
| Streptokinase | Dissolves blood clots | Medicine | Used in patients who have suffered heart attacks | Streptokinase is employed in medicine for its ability to dissolve blood clots, making it a vital therapy for patients who have suffered heart attacks or strokes. |
| Cyclosporin A | Prevents rejection of organ transplants | Medicine | Used in immunosuppressive therapy | Cyclosporin A is a potent immunosuppressive agent utilized in organ transplant recipients to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ by the immune system. |
| Red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) | Lowers blood cholesterol levels | Food supplement | Alternative to statin medications | Red yeast rice, produced by Monascus purpureus, contains compounds that lower blood cholesterol levels, offering a natural alternative to statin medications for managing cholesterol levels. |
| Lipase | Breaks down fats and oils | Detergents, cleaning products | Improves cleaning efficiency | Lipase enzymes are utilized in detergents and cleaning products to break down fats and oils, enhancing their cleaning efficiency. |
| Pectinases and Proteases | Help create clearer and more stable juices | Juice processing | Improves juice quality | Pectinases and proteases are enzymes used in juice processing to break down pectin and proteins, respectively, resulting in clearer and more stable juices with improved quality and shelf life. |
| Trichoderma | Suppresses plant pathogens | Biocontrol agent | Used to control various plant diseases | Trichoderma species are employed as biocontrol agents to suppress plant pathogens, offering an environmentally friendly approach to managing various plant diseases in agriculture. |
| Baculoviruses (Nucleopolyhedrovirus) | Infect and kill specific insects | Narrow-spectrum insecticide | Controls insect pests without harming other animals | Baculoviruses, specifically nucleopolyhedroviruses, infect and kill specific insects, making them effective narrow-spectrum insecticides that target pests while minimizing harm to beneficial insects and other animals. |
| Propionibacterium sharmanii | Produces CO2 | Swiss cheese | Forms large holes in Swiss cheese | Propionibacterium sharmanii produces CO2 gas during the fermentation process of Swiss cheese, resulting in the formation of characteristic large holes throughout the cheese's interior. |
| Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) | Produces insecticidal toxins | Organic pest control spray, Bt-cotton | Controls insect pests specific to moths, butterflies, and beetles | Over 3,000 strains exist, each producing different toxins targeting specific insects. Considered safe for humans and most non-target organisms. |
| Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) | Produces insecticidal toxins | Organic mosquito control, larvicide for blackflies and other dipterans | Highly effective against mosquito larvae, but harmless to most other insects and beneficial organisms | A specific subspecies of Bt with toxins targeting mosquito larvae and other dipterans. |
| Penicillium | Produces various antibiotics and other bioactive compounds | Penicillin G, Roquefort cheese, Camembert cheese | Medicine, food production | Discovered in 1928 by Alexander Fleming. Over 200 species exist, with diverse applications. |
| Roquefort cheese | Penicillium roqueforti | Ripening & flavor development | Strong, pungent flavor, blue veins, crumbly texture, made from sheep's milk | Penicillium roqueforti is responsible for the characteristic flavor and appearance of Roquefort cheese. |
| Camembert cheese | Penicillium camemberti | Ripening & flavor development | Creamy, soft texture | Penicillium camemberti contributes to the ripening and distinctive flavor of Camembert cheese, resulting in its creamy texture and earthy taste. |