Chapter 26, Problem 1TMW

A blogger stated that germs (microorganisms) are dangerous and should be avoided in all cases. Why is this idea wrong?

Summary Introduction

To tell:

The reason for the misconception that all microorganisms are dangerous and should be avoided.

Introduction:

Microorganisms occupy a large diversity in the ecosystem. The microorganism is found almost everywhere and there are lots of pros and cons with microorganisms. A microorganism is very adaptive to its environment, which may be beneficial or dangerous to humans or to the ecology.

Explanation of Solution

The microorganism is mostly pathogenic, yet some microorganisms are beneficial to humans as well as to the environment. For example, the nitrogen-fixing bacteria are helpful in getting atmospheric nitrogen to plants. Some bacteria or yeast are used in industries and the normal flora found in the human gut will prevent the colonization of other pathogenic bacteria. Certain microorganisms should not be avoided, even when they are pathogenic. Since the human immune system constantly eradicates pathogens, it should encounter this pathogen to keep it in memory and to encounter it when they again cause infection. When all microorganisms are avoided, it would end up changing the ecosystem.

Conclusion

The reason for the misconception that all the microorganisms are dangerous and should be avoided is discussed.