Introduction
Microbes are small living organisms which are not visible by naked eye. They are present everywhere, from soil present beneath our foots to the depth of oceans. They have multiple roles that are crucial for proper functioning of ecosystem and well being of all forms of life. They are invisible heroes of our planet earth.
In this article, we will uncover the importance of microbes and their beneficial impacts on this world.
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Importance of Microbes in Ecosystem Services
In many ecosystem processes, microbes act as backbone. They derive the critical functions which are important for sustenance of life on earth. They recycle the nutrients by decomposition of organic matter present in soil and let the nutrients back in the environment. They maintain the soil fertility and improve the plant growth and also help in reducing pollution by a process known as bioremediation.
Biodegradation:
Microbes have ability to breakdown the organic pollutants such as oil, gasoline, and industrial pollutants etc, into simpler and harmless substances. And they perform this function as a part of their own metabolic activities, using pollutants as a source of energy.
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Importance of Microbes for Human Health
The importance of microbes is not just limited to environment. They are also very important for human health as well. There are trillions of microbes in human body, known as microbiota. They are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. They aid in digestion, nutrient absorption, and alleviate symptoms of digestive disorders like IBS and IBD. They also support the immune system, preventing allergies and autoimmune diseases. Some gut microbes produce vitamins, essential for bodily functions like blood clotting and energy metabolism. The gut microbiome is linked to mood and mental health, with imbalances causing depression, anxiety, and neurological disorders. Weight management can be influenced by the gut microbiome, with certain microbes associated with lean body mass and others linked to obesity. Microbes also protect against pathogens, maintain oral health, and confer antibiotic resistance. A diverse diet rich in fiber, fermented foods, and prebiotics can support a healthy microbiome.
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Biotechnology and Industry
Microbes are used for research from very long time due to number of reasons. First, their biological systems are easy to understand. They are not as complex as the humans and other organisms are. They are easy to grow and engineer genetically. That’s why they have several industrial applications. They have paved the way for various technological advancements. Biotechnology depends on microbial enzymes and genetic engineering to produce pharmaceuticals, biofuels, and bioplastics. Microbes are also used in various processes in food industry such as fermentation through which different products such as bread, beer and cheese are being prepared. For improvement in agriculture, microbes are employed to improve crop growth and soil health. They also help in reducing the usage of chemicals like pesticides and insecticides. They also act as biocontrol against various pathogenic disease agents.
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Environmental Stewardship
In this era of continuously increasing global warming and environmental challenges, the abilities of microbes in sustaining ecological balance are becoming very important. Microbes sequester carbon through the formation of soil organic matter and oxidation of methane. This helps in mitigating the emission of green house gases. They also have an important role in fixing atmospheric nitrogen into accessible forms. This process is known as nitrogen fixation.
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Scientific Exploration
Microbes have caught great attention of scientists and researchers. Research on microbes helps us understanding relationship between microbes and their environment and their beneficial impacts on the environment. Microbes also posses antagonistic effects against various pathogens as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, microbes are tiny and invisible architects of life. Their importance can’t be underestimated. From maintaining balance in ecosystem to improving human health and driving technological innovations, microbes are very important for the life on the earth.