How are fungi and bacteria useful or harmful to us?

Question 1

What are the characteristics of useful fungi? In what ways are fungi useful to humans?

Answer 1

1. They are decomposers.
2. Some fungi can be eaten.
3. Yeast can be used to make bread, beer and wine.
4. Some moulds can be used to make cheese
5. Penicillium is a type of mould that produces penicillin, which is used as an anitbiotic in modern medicine.

Question 2

Why are fungi important?

Answer 2

Because they are decomposers.

Question 3

Where do fungi usually grow on?

Answer 3

Dead plants and animals, breaking them down into simpler substances that are absorbed as nutrients. This is known as decomposition.

Question 4

What is decomposition?

Answer 4

The breaking down of dead plants and animals into simpler substances that are absorbed as nutrients.

Question 5

What do plants use the nutrients produced during decomposition as?

Answer 5

Fertilisers

Question 6

What do plants use the carbon dioxide produced during decomposition for?

Answer 6

Photosynthesis

Question 7

Can fungi be harmful?

Answer 7

Yes. Fungi can grow on living plants and animals as parasites. For example, fungi growing on human skin can lead to skin infections, such as athlete’s foot and ringworm.

Question 8

What can moulds cause?

Answer 8

Moulds can cause spoilage when they grow on old bread, cakes, chocolates and leather goods like bags and shoes.

Question 9

Can bacteria be useful?

Answer 9

Yes. They are decomposers and some bacteria can also be used to make cheese and yoghurt.

Question 10

Can bacterial be harmful?

Answer 10

Yes. Some bacteria can be harmful to people because they may cause illnesses, such as diarrhoea, food poisoning, flu and sore throat.