Harmful & Beneficial Microorganisms

Some algae can suddenly “bloom”, or grow, very quickly. People call this reddish water a red tide. Some algae in a red tide contain poison that can kill fish.

• Harmful
• Beneficial

A fungus is used to make riboflavin, an important vitamin.

• Harmful
• Beneficial

Salmonella and E. Coli can make you sick.  They grow on raw chicken and other
meats, raw eggs, and other raw foods.

• Harmful
• Beneficial

Yeast is used to make dough rise in the bread making process.

• Harmful
• Beneficial

Some bacteria are able to eat substances like oil.  These bacteria are used to clean up oil spills or gasoline leaks.

• Harmful
• Beneficial

Some fungi cause several skin diseases, including athlete’s foot.

• Harmful
• Beneficial

Bacteria cause Tetanus, a serious infectious disease.

• Harmful
• Beneficial

Fungi and bacteria are used to produce antibiotics.

• Harmful
• Beneficial

Bacteria are used to ferment milk to produce cheese.

• Harmful
• Beneficial

Digestion

• Beneficial
• Harmful
• Both