Kingdom Monera Nutrition - Saprophytic Bacteria

Description:

Saprophytic bacteria are free living bacteria which obtain food from organic remains e.g. animal excreta, fallen leaves, vegetables, meat, jams, jellies etc.

Fermentation is the process of anaerobic breakdown of carbohydrates.

Putrefaction is the process of anaerobic breakdown of proteins.

Aerobic breakdown of organic compounds is known as decay.

Harmful activities of saprophytic bacteria include spoilage of food stuffs, food poisoning, denitrification of soils, deterioration of a number of household articles like fibres, leather and wooden articles.

Useful activities of saprophytic bacteria are −

• The decomposing activity of bacteria disposes off the dead bodies and organic wastes.
• Releases raw materials for reutilization.
• Saprophytic bacteria are called nature’s scavengers.
• They take part in preparation of cheese and curd.
• They are used for the synthesis of alcohol and organic acids.
• Latest use of saprophytic bacteria is the biodegradation of organic pollutants like petroleum spillage, e.g. Pseudomonas.