Classification of the Living World — Question 5

Useful effects of Bacteria

1. Production of butter and cheese — Some bacteria such as Streptococcus and Lactobacillus are used to produce curd, butter and cheese.
2. Production of vitamins — Many bacteria living in the intestine of humans synthesize vitamins such as vitamin B.

Harmful effects of Bacteria

1. They cause diseases in plants. e.g. bacterial leaf blight of rice is caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and Angular leaf spot in cotton is caused by Xanthomonas malvacearum.
2. They cause diseases in humans. e.g. Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diptheriae.

Useful effects of Fungi

1. Fungi are called nature's scavengers. They decompose the dead, decaying bodies of plants and animals and their waste products. This also helps in making the soil fertile.
2. Morels and some mushrooms are enjoyed as palatable food.

Harmful effects of Fungi

1. Fungi can attack tissues of plants and animals and cause diseases. Mould spores can cause allergies in some people leading to sneezing, sniffling and other respiratory problems.
2. Some fungi damage paper and paper products, leather and even clothes.