Microorganisms : Friend and Foe — Question 13

Microorganisms are harmful in many ways. Some of the microorganisms cause diseases in human beings, plants and animals. Such disease-causing microorganisms are called pathogens. Pathogenic microorganisms are responsible for a myriad of infectious diseases, ranging from common colds to severe illnesses. For example: Tuberculosis, Cholera, Malaria and Typhoid etc. In agriculture, certain microorganisms can cause crop diseases, affecting food production and quality. Some microorganisms spoil food and cause food poisoning or botulism. The microbes also destroy or decompose clothing and leather, deteriorating their quality.