CBSE Class 12 Biology – Microbes in Human Welfare

Chapter Overview

This chapter highlights the positive roles of microbes in food production, health, agriculture, bioenergy, waste management, biocontrol, and environmental remediation. It showcases industrial, household, and ecological applications that underpin human welfare. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Important Keywords

• Fermentation: Microbial conversion of sugars to alcohol or acids (bread, curd, alcohol).
• Antibiotics: Microbial products that kill/inhibit pathogens (penicillin, streptomycin).
• Biofertiliser: Microbes that fix nitrogen (Rhizobium, Azotobacter) or aid phosphorus uptake (mycorrhizae).
• Biocontrol: Microbes or viruses used to control pests (Bt, Trichoderma, baculovirus).
• Sewage Treatment: Aerobic and anaerobic microbial breakdown of waste to treat water and produce biogas.
• Biogas: Methane-rich fuel from methanogenic microbes in waste/sludge.
• Single-cell protein (SCP): Edible microbial biomass (e.g., Spirulina) as protein supplement.
• Enzymes & Bioactive Molecules: Microbes produce industrial acids, lipases, streptokinase, cyclosporin, statins. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}