Most of us think that bacteria are like those disease causing microorganisms that grow in culture similar with streptococcus that can be found on the strep throat. This article will enlighten as well as educate us about the other side of bacteria that most of us failed to notice. Although, most people think that all bacteria are known to be harmful and cause diseases such as cholera, tuberculosis, gonorrhea and the like, these are only a portion of bacteria in general. Bacteria can be found anywhere. They can be found on mountain tops, oceans and even on the internal organs of animals. Bacteria are so minute that they can only be seen under the microscope. Bacteria under a microscope help doctors and scientist discover some cure to these harmful diseases that pose threat to the life of the many. Bacteria can live in frozen rocks and ice and they are capable to survive for a long period of time.

Bacteria can survive in any environment. There are three groups of bacteria. The first group of bacteria under a microscope is called the Aerobic bacteria, they survive because of oxygen and without it, they will not be able to survive and exist. The second group of bacteria under a microscope is called the anaerobic bacteria. These bacteria can be found underwater and they are those can cause food poisoning.  The last group of bacteria under a microscope is called the facultative anaerobes. These bacteria live better with the presence of oxygen, however, without it; they can still continue to exist.

Bacteria can also be identified by their energy source. The Heterotrophs are bacteria under a microscope that obtain their energy from the organic compounds that they acquire from the environment, an example of these bacteria is the saprobic bacteria that we can find in decaying material. Another group of bacteria that are fueled by light energy is called the autotrophs. Autotrophs make their own food by using carbon dioxide.

Bacteria, though most of us perceive to be dangerous, is also considered important in the ecosystem we are living in. Bacteria provide balance in the ecosystem. Our ecosystem survives mainly because of the bacterial activity both on land and on water. Bacteria play an important role in the nutrients cycle of carbon, nitrogen and sulfur.

Bacteria that act as decomposers help deplete the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere by quickly decomposing the dead and rotting organisms. This might sound so simple but without carbon dioxide, photosynthesis won’t exist and plants will have no food to survive. This simple process is very important for the survival of both plants and animals. The carbon dioxide from a dead organism is no longer available for living things. This is where decomposition would take place. Decomposition is breaking down the nutrients available from the dead organism and releasing it back to the environment, and this would not be possible without the help of bacteria. Bacteria, like humans also play an important role in the environment. They might be seen visibly but they do exist. Here is a link to the article