The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Micro-Organisms

Micro-organisms can be both beneficial and harmful to humans They play an important role in our daily lives and our food supply

Molds: PenicillinPenicillin Bacteria (Brown Slime) Penicillin Mold (While Circle) Antibacterial Activity (clear area indicates Penicillin is “killing” the bacteria)

Discovered in 1928 by Scottish born, Sir Alexander Fleming While growing bacteria in his lab, he noticed that one of his samples had a fungus mold growing in it that was killing the bacteria. This mold (Penicillin) was able to kill the cell walls of bacteria.

Mold is added to blue cheese to give it its unique flavour, colour and smell!

Soy Sauce production uses mold to ferment a soybean/ wheat mixture to give it a unique taste, deep brown colour, and intense aroma.

Yeast and Baking When yeast is given sugar (sugar, wheat, grain…) it begins to ferment and produce CO 2 and ethanol (alcohol). Fermentation: Yeast + C 6 H 12 O 6  2C 2 H 5 OH + 2CO 2 Yeast + Sugar = Ethanol + Carbon Dioxide Baking (Rising Bread)

Bacteria and Yogurt A special bacteria called Lactobacillus bulgaricus are able to turn milk into a thick creamy yogurt. The bacteria found in yogurt are very good for your health. (Activia Challenge-probiotics) Bacteria is used to make cheese.

Algae Algae are used in ice cream, milkshakes, puddings, salad dressings, Jello®, peanut butter, toothpaste etc. to help thicken the mixture. Look for these algae ingredients: carrageenan, alginate, and beta carotene.

Harmful Effects of Some Micro- organisms 1. Rot (food, plants…)

Harmful Effects of Some Micro- organisms 2. Illness (diarrhea, food poisoning)

Harmful Effects of Some Micro- organisms 3. Disease (Cholera, Tuberculosis) Bacteria that cause choleraBacteria that cause tuberculosis

Harmful Effects of Some Micro- organisms 4.Infect wounds

Harmful Effects of Some Micro- organisms 5. Fungal growth (athlete’s foot)

Harmful Effects of Some Micro- organisms 6. Bad odour (smelly feet) Micrococci bacteria Corynebacterium

Protecting Ourselves Against Harmful Micro-organisms Person to Person: – Wash your hands often – Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze – Avoid kissing people if you are sick

Protecting Ourselves Against Harmful Micro-organisms Water: ­ Filter the water ­ Disinfect Water (e.g. chlorine, UV radiation) ­ Avoid drinking from unknown water sources Insects: ­ Wear bug spray ­ Wear protective clothing ­ Avoid scented products

Protecting Ourselves Against Harmful Micro-organisms Food: – Wash and clean food – Cook food properly – Reheat at high temperature – **Store food properly – Dispose of old food