Discuss the role of bacteria in Industries.

Explanation

1. Dairy Industry :
Lactic acid bacteria (Streptococus lactis) are employed to convert milk sugar lactose into lactic acid.
2. Vinegar: Vinegar (Acetic acid is obtained by the activity of acetic acid bacteria (Actobacler aceti). This bacterium oxidizes ethyl alcohol obtained from molasses by fermentation to acetic acid or vinegar.
3. Alcohols and Acetone :
Butyl Alcohol, Methyl alcohol and Acetone are prepared from molasses by the fermentation activity of the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium acetobutylicum.
4. Retting of fibres :
The fibres from the fibre yielding plants are separated by the action of bacteria like Clostridium it is called as retting of fibres.
5. Vitamins :
E.Coli and Clostridium acetobutylicum bacteria living in the intestine of human produce large quantities of vitamin K and vitamin B complex. Vitamin `B_(2)` is prepared by the fermentation of sugar.
6. Curing of Tea and Tobacco :
The leaves of tea and tobacco are fermented by the activity of Bacillus megatherium bacteria to impart the characteristic flavour.