Millions of people around the world and other species get sick because of a tiny but deadly creature named bacteria. Bacteria are tiny prokaryotic forms of life that are unicellular, and they tend to be everywhere around us. There are many interesting aspects of bacteria.
Bacteria are so small, that they can only be seen with a microscope. Bacteria that look like bent rods are called vibrios. There are two types of spiral bacteria: Spirochetes and sprilla. Bacteria can live on land, air, water, and even deep under the ground. They can also live in hot water and frozen ice.
Not all bacteria are bad and some bacteria are helpful. Good bacteria can help us digest our food and make vitamins that help us live and grow. The bacteria that live in the soil help nature recycle things. Soil bacteria also help decompose nutrients to make the soil richer, which in turn helps plants grow healthy and strong. There are also many other uses of bacteria. For example, they help make cheese and alcoholic beverages through a process known as fermentation. Bacteria is useful in the field of medicine, as it has helped us invent medication for common diseases.
While there are good uses, most bacteria is associated with the cause of multiple illnesses. Bacteria can cause diseases such as, cholera, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and whooping cough. These are all caused by bad bacteria germs. Another common illness caused by harmful bacteria is food poisoning. Almost everyone has had a mild or severe case of food poisoning, which comes with uncomfortable symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Harmful bacteria may be spread from one person to another through food, air, and water, all of which are caused by germs. Bacteria can get through the human body through openings such as the mouth, nose, eyes, or open wounds. Therefore, it is very important to wash your hands periodically and use sanitary precautions when addressing open cuts.
When dangerous bacteria enter the human body, special cells known as white blood cells or T-cells attack and destroy the harmful bacteria. Cells also make substances called antibodies, which attack harmful bacteria and destroy it. Drugs called antibiotics fight the sickness that is caused by certain bacteria. Chemicals called antiseptics keep bacteria from entering through cuts. Chemicals called disinfectants kill bacteria on clothing and other objects. Heat is a good way to destroy bacteria on or in food. Dead or weak bacteria are used to make drugs called vaccines. Vaccines cause the human body to make antibodies that attack harmful bacteria as soon as they enter the body, and is used as a safe preventive measure for illnesses such as the flu.
Bacteria are an interesting species and there is so much more to know about them. They can be beneficial or harmful, which is why it is important to use precaution. While we can't see them, they are all around us, everywhere.
