1.) Microbes make up our normal Flora. They out compete the harmful organisms because they take up the space and nutrients that the others need
2.) There are many useful products made by microbes
a.) Antibiotics-penicillin: fungi secrete antibiotics to kill all the things around it
so that it has all of the nutrients for itself
b.) Production of human hormones-bacteria have been inserted with human genes that control the production of Insulin, Human Growth Hormone, and Interferon. The bacteria can produce these in mass quantities that humans cannot.
c.) Production of Fuel-Some bacteria have the ability to produce Methane, one of the cleanest burning fuels we know of.
d.) Many foods are products of bacteria: yogurt, cheese, vinegar, salad dressings, wine, beer, olives, etc.
3.) Bioremediation-using microbes to clean up things. Some microbes clean up oil, toxic waste, dynamite, and sewage treatment
Harmful Activities:
1.) Cause disease in animals, plants, and us. Bacteria cause 95% of ulcers.
2.) Cause spoilage of food and water.
3.) Bacteria cause the decomposition of many other substances such as clothing, wood, paper, cosmetics, etc.