The Role of Bacteria in the World
More than you think
What is the war?
There is a war going on between bacteria and viruses. The viruses are trying to take over bacteria cells to reproduce and the bacteria are trying to keep them out.
Why is the war important?
The war is important because bacteria is vital to our survival. Some bacteria releases oxygen while some decomposes and others fix nitrogen. A war with bacteria is a war with ourselves.
Examples:
Coccolithophores
A phytoplankton that lives in the ocean. They are covered in hard planks and live near the surface of the ocean. The virus that attacks them enters through the "chinks" in their armor and takes over the cell's reproductive system. The virus reproduces and sometimes the cocco can send out a chemical signal to warm other cells. Some cells can also change their planks into hard scales. When a cell dies, they shed their planks. When the cell population regrows, they take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
Rhizobium
Bacteria that fixes nitrogen into ammonia. Ammonia is a fertilizer for plants. It attaches to the roots of legumes and colonizes some plant cells. It provides organic nitrogenous compounds like glutamine to the plant as well. The plant gives the bacteria organic compounds made by photosynthesis in return. It is a symbiotic relationship.
Aeromonas Hydrophila
This bacteria mostly affects fish and amphibians. When it does affect humans it causes intestinal problems. It can either give you diarrhea or stool filled with blood and mucus. It is pathogenic so it usually only affects young people, old people, and people with the immune system problems
By: Leila Falkner
1st Period