Question 1

What are bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria are tiny living things that are everywhere. You can't see them without a microscope because they're so small.

Question 2

Are all bacteria bad for us?

Accepted Answer

No, not all bacteria are bad. Some bacteria help us by keeping our bodies healthy, like the ones in our stomach that help us digest food.

Question 3

Why are some bacteria called 'friends'?

Accepted Answer

We call some bacteria 'friends' because they help us in many ways, like making vitamins or protecting us from harmful bacteria.

Question 4

Why are some bacteria called 'foes'?

Accepted Answer

Some bacteria are called 'foes' because they can make us sick. These are the ones that cause infections or diseases.

Question 5

Where can we find bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria can be found almost everywhere—on plants, in soil, in water, and even in the air. They even live on and inside our bodies!

Question 6

How do bacteria help plants?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria help plants by breaking down dead material into nutrients, which plants need to grow. Some also help plants get more nutrients by living in their roots.

Question 7

How do bacteria make yogurt?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria turn milk into yogurt by eating the sugar in the milk and turning it into something sour. This makes the milk thicker and gives yogurt its taste.

Question 8

Can bacteria make us sick?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some bacteria can make us sick by causing infections like strep throat or ear infections. But we can often treat these with medicines called antibiotics.

Question 9

How do antibiotics work?

Accepted Answer

Antibiotics are medicines that help us get better if harmful bacteria make us sick. They work by killing the bad bacteria or stopping them from growing.

Question 10

Can bacteria be useful in medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, bacteria can help make medicines. Some bacteria are used to make things like insulin, which helps people with diabetes.

Question 11

How can we stay safe from harmful bacteria?

Accepted Answer

We can stay safe by washing our hands regularly, cooking food well, and keeping our environment clean. Vaccines also help protect us from some harmful bacteria.

Question 12

Can bacteria live in extreme places?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some bacteria can live in really hot, cold, or salty places where most living things can't survive. They have special ways to adapt to these conditions.

Question 13

What is the role of bacteria in our bodies?

Accepted Answer

Bacteria in our bodies help us digest food, make vitamins, and keep harmful bacteria in check. They play a big part in keeping us healthy.

Question 14

Are bacteria and viruses the same?

Accepted Answer

No, bacteria and viruses are different. Bacteria are tiny, living organisms, while viruses are even smaller and need a living host to multiply.

Question 15

How can we study bacteria?

Accepted Answer

Scientists use special tools like microscopes to see and study bacteria. They also use special dishes to grow and observe them.

Question 16

What happens when bacteria break down organic material?

Accepted Answer

When bacteria break down organic material like dead plants and animals, they turn it into nutrients. This process is important for the environment because it recycles materials.

Question 17

How do friendly bacteria help our immune system?

Accepted Answer

Friendly bacteria help our immune system by competing with harmful bacteria and teaching our bodies to fight off infections. They help keep us healthy.

Question 18

What are probiotics?

Accepted Answer

Probiotics are foods or supplements that contain friendly bacteria. Eating them can help our digestive system and boost our overall health.

Question 19

Do bacteria play a role in cleaning the environment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, bacteria help clean the environment by breaking down pollutants and waste. They can even help clean up oil spills in the ocean.

Question 20

Why is it important to know about bacteria?

Accepted Answer

It's important to learn about bacteria because they affect many parts of our lives. Knowing about them helps us stay healthy and understand how the world works.

The World of Bacteria: Friends and Foes - 20 FAQs Explained Simply