Why is bacteria good?

[cavaliers24]

In my biology class at school, we are doing a project on why bacteria is helpful in today's society. We are suppose to give examples of why they are good like food products and their significance in the science and technology industry. I found many examples including yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, pesticide controls, and stopping acne on skin, but I can't find any reliable sources of information on what makes them so successful. My teacher also mentioned something about the cell wall, and how they are helpful with their interaction with other living things. If someone could please help me, it would be very much appreciated! Thanks again
Cecilia

[mith]

fast growth, evolution(they have like 3 billion years of head start), simple nutrition requirements.

[canalon]

For other vey important benefits, look up the Nitrogen cycle and the history of chloroplast and mitochondria, and cyanobacteria (now).
As for the reasons of their success one word: adaptation. Where do you not find bacteria? Besides molten lava, very few places are naturally sterile on Earth. Thanks to the extremohiles (archaea and bacteria), most environments are colonized by living beings.

[biohazard]

I'd also like to add that they are relatively easy to engineer: in research and medicine bacterial genome is often manipulated in order to make them produce some desired protein. Recombinant human insulin is a very good example of a drug that is produced in bacteria. Humulin N is the trade name of one such insulin product. Try searching topics that cover biotechnology and recombinant protein production.

Just bear in mind that also eukaryotic cells can be used in similar manner; yeasts are often used, as are insect cells (with e.g. baculovirus vectors) and even human cells. But this is where the benefits of bacteria can be seen: they are much more simple and cheap to grow than cells from higher organisms. Though they do have drawbacks as well, such as incorrect protein folding and lack of glycosylation, but I guess this goes bit off topic what comes to the original question :)

[JorgeLobo]

He did say "bacteria." No mitochondria and no chloroplast much less their "history".

[MichaelXY]

He did say "bacteria." No mitochondria and no chloroplast much less their "history".

Ever heard of endosymbiosis?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endosymbiotic_theory

[mcar]

Really sophisticated organisms, no doubt.

[miles500]

Also don't forget bacteria is plural, so you should say 'Why bacteria are good'.
Bacterium is the singular.

[JorgeLobo]

Micheal - ever learn to read? He said "bacteria." Answer the question please. This is not the place for you to show off the little bit you know. Endosymbiosis is a theory that addresses eukaryotic development/evolution. Bacteria are prokarytoic with neither mitchondria nor chloroplasts. Got it?

Right miles - thanks.

[MichaelXY]

Micheal - ever learn to read? He said "bacteria." Answer the question please. This is not the place for you to show off the little bit you know. Endosymbiosis is a theory that addresses eukaryotic development/evolution. Bacteria are prokarytoic with neither mitchondria nor chloroplasts. Got it?

Right miles - thanks.

Perhaps your predilection with showing your disdain for others has narrowed your vision. The question was, “How are bacteria good”. If one believes the endosymbiotic theory, and there is strong evidence to support this, then one might conclude that bacteria are good in that bacteria created a way for simple organisms to develop into the more complex organisms found today due to endosymbiosis.

And whether or not I am right in my thinking, there is no need for the malevolent tone in your responses. I do not know what has transpired in your past to make you so confrontational, but please do not take that posture here, and for Pete's sake leave your baggage elsewhere. Allow me to direct you to this link.
http://www.westegg.com/unmaintained/car ... iends.html

You really should read the contents of this book, and maybe you might find some inner peace that will allow you to better interact with others.

[mith]

Lobo, you're a smart guy and you contribute a lot to this forum, but you don't have to be a dick about it. There's ways to talk without making snide personal attacks..

[JorgeLobo]

LOL - such whining - typical of folks with little to offer. Whether the pompous micheal "malevolent tone" or the inarticulate mith "be as dick", you guys should answer the question. Really like Micheal and the lame expression of HIS "theory" - now the poor clown is a pop psychologist.!!

Look kiddies, just answer the question. I understand that your sensitive egos require that you show off by wandering from the subject to display the little additional information you have to offer. Save it for your parents - they'll be so proud!