Chapter 20, Problem 1CT

Summary Introduction

To explain: Ecological roles of bacteria and disruption of those roles by antibiotic pollution.

Concept introduction: Bacteria are the unicellular prokaryotes that are generally considered as a pathogen (harmful pathogenic bacteria) but ecologically plays an important role in the environment. Those beneficial bacteria can act as decomposers, nitrogen fixators, agent for bioremediation and waste water treatment, and so on. But the antibiotic discharge from the industrial outlet may be one off the main risk involved in the disruption of the ecological role played by the bacteria. This risk is because of the development of antibiotic resistance in the existing bacteria and turns into more pathogenic organisms.