Briefly state the role microorganisms play in each of the following:

Question

a. biological control of pests
b. recycling of elements
c. normal microbiota
d. sewage treatment
e. human insulin production
f. vaccine production
g. biofilms

Answer 1

Answer:

a. Certain microorganisms can cause disease in insects. microorganisms can be specific for the pest and not harm the surrounding environment.
b. Carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus are required for all living things. Many bacteria decompose material and release carbon dioxide, which plants use.
c. Normal microbiota is found on our bodies. It is more often beneficial.
d. Organic matter in sewage is decomposed into carbon dioxide, nitrates, phosphates, sulfate, and other inorganic compounds in sewage treatment plants
e. Recombinant DNA techniques have resulted in insertion of the gene for insulin production into bacteria. These bacteria can produce human insulin inexpensively.
f. Microorganisms can be used to make vaccines.
g. Biofilms are aggregated bacteria adhering to each other and to a solid surface