Beneficial and Harmful Microorganisms

Bacteria cause cholera, an often fatal disease.

• Harmful
• Beneficial

Dill pickles are cucumbers that have been fermented by bacteria.

• Beneficial
• Harmful

Microbes are used to help clean up oil spills.

• Beneficial 
• Harmful

A virus causes polio, which sometimes leads to paralysis.

• Beneficial
• Harmful

Fungi and bacteria are used to produce antibiotics.

• Harmful
• Beneficial

Yeast is used to make bread.

• Harmful
• Beneficial

Microbes cause food to spoil.

• Harmful
• Beneficial

A fungus is used to make riboflavin, an important vitamin.

• Harmful
• Beneficial

A protozoan causes a fatal form of meningitis.

• Harmful
• Beneficial

Bacteria caused food poisoning.

• Harmful
• Beneficial