What roles do bacteria play in our environment? Roles of Prokaryotes What roles do bacteria play in our environment?

Beneficial Roles Break down nutrients in our digestive system Mutualistic relationship Food Production Yogurt, cheese, pickles, soy sauce, vinegar Oxygen Production Photosynthesizing prokaryotes Nitrogen Fixers Mutualistic relationship with legumes Bioremediation Used to break down pollutants

Bacterial Diseases Symptoms are caused by: Breaking down tissues (tuberculosis) Releasing toxins (strep throat) Antibiotics are given to treat bacterial diseases Work by stopping the cells from making cell walls Resistance to antibiotics can develop from: Overuse Underuse Misuse