Saprophytes: what are they, what do they eat, where do they live?

Specific nutrition of saprotrophic bacteria

Nutrition is the process of storing energy and nutrients. For normal existence, bacteria require a number of nutrients, such as:

• nitrogen (in the form of amino acids);
• proteins;
• carbohydrates;
• vitamins;
• nucleotides;
• peptides.

In laboratory conditions, for the propagation of saprophytes, autolysate from yeast, whey from milk, meat hydrolysates, and some plant extracts are used as nutrient media.

An indicative process of the presence of saprophytes in products is the formation of rot. The danger comes from the waste products of these microorganisms, as they are quite toxic. Saprophytes are a kind of orderlies in the environment.

The main representatives of saprophytes:

1. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pseudomonas);
2. Escherichia coli (Proteus, Escherichia);
3. Morganella;
4. Klebsiella;
5. Bacillus;
6. Clostridia (Clostridium);
7. some types of mushrooms (Penicilum, etc.)

The role of saprotrophs in human life

This type of bacteria plays a very significant role in the cycle of nature. At the same time, the objects for their nutrition are things that are, to one degree or another, important for humans.

Saprotrophs play a very important role in the processing of organic residues. Since any organism dies at the end of its life, the nutrient medium for these microorganisms will exist continuously. Saprophytes produce, in the form of products of their vital activity, many constituent substances necessary for the nutrition of other organisms (fermentation processes, transformation of sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus compounds, etc. in nature).

Physiological processes of saprotrophic bacteria

Among these microorganisms are:

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• anaerobes (Escherichia coli, it can live in an oxygen-containing environment, but all life processes take place without the participation of oxygen);
• aerobes (putrefactive bacteria that use oxygen in their life processes);
• spore-forming bacteria (genus Clostridia);
• non-spore-forming microorganisms (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa).

Almost the entire variety of saprophytes, as a result of their vital activity, produces various cadaveric poisons, hydrogen sulfide, and cyclic aromatic compounds (for example, indole). The most dangerous to humans are hydrogen sulfide, thiol and dimethyl sulfoxide, which can lead to severe poisoning and even death.

Saprotrophs take their part in the process of decay.

Where does dust allergy come from?

Allergies are a result of constant sterilization. People's homes are becoming more and more comfortable - sealed plastic windows, air conditioners, water filters, dishwashers - contribute to the emergence of pathogenic microflora. Synthetic building materials, chemical household detergents, fermented (processed) foods, etc., gradually lead to the accumulation of harmful substances (toxins) in the body and weaken the immune system - the natural protective function of the body. Therefore, as a result, various types of intolerances (all kinds of allergies) appear.

Tick ​​allergy in children can also be provoked by an untreated chronic inflammatory process in the bronchi, which is sometimes confused with bronchial asthma, for which a completely different treatment is prescribed.

(animals and protists) decomposers differ primarily in that they do not leave solid undigested residues (excrement). In ecology, detritivorous animals are traditionally classified as consumers (see, for example, Bigon, Harper, Townsend, 1989). At the same time, all organisms emit carbon dioxide and water, and often other inorganic (ammonia) or simple organic (urea) molecules and thus take part in the destruction (destruction) of organic matter.

nutrition

Saprophytes can be divided into two groups:

Forced saprophytes that obtain their nutrients exclusively through the decomposition of organic matter without life. The other group includes those organisms that are saprophytic only during their life stage and become facultative.

Saprophytes feed by a process called absorptive nutrition. In this case, the nutrient substrate is digested due to the action of enzymes secreted by fungi, bacteria or mold. These enzymes are responsible for converting detritus into simpler molecules.

This nutrition, also known as osmotrof, occurs in several stages. Firstly, saprophytes secrete some hydrolytic enzymes that are responsible for the hydrolysis of large detritus molecules such as polysaccharides, proteins and lipids.

These molecules are divided into smaller ones. As a product of this process, soluble biomolecules are released. They are absorbed due to different concentration gradients of these elements at the extracellular and cytoplasmic levels.

After crossing the semipermeable membrane, the substances reach the cytoplasm. Thus, the saprophyte cells can be nourished, thereby ensuring their growth and development.

Adaptations in fungi

Fungi have tube-like structures called hyphae. They are formed by elongated cells, covered with a chitin cell wall and turn into a micelle.

The fibers develop by branching between the layer where it is located. There they secrete enzymes, including cellulase, and absorb nutrients from decomposition products.

Symbiont mushrooms

Symbiosis is the cohabitation of different organisms in which both benefit. Symbiont fungi participate in the formation of two symbioses:

• lichens formed as a result of interaction with algae and bacteria;
• mycorrhiza - with the root system of plants.

Nutritional Features

Mushrooms, entwining the small roots of plant organisms, feed on the organic substances that make up their composition. Such actions do not harm plants, but promote the absorption of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, microelements) and water from the soil.

Names and descriptions of popular symbiont mushrooms

Usually referred to as a mixed type of nutrition, which can receive organic substances from both plant roots and humus.

• Boletus. Interacts with oaks, willows and poplars. The brown hemisphere-shaped cap has a reddish or orange tint. It is impossible to separate the layer of skin without pulp. The height of the gray leg is up to 18 cm. The fruit body is fleshy and dense. Young individuals are elastic, while old ones become loose. At the break, the white flesh turns blue over time and then turns black. Does not have a pronounced aroma.
• Boletus. Grows near birch roots. Over the course of its life, the mushroom cap changes from a spherical shape to a flat, pillow-like shape. At high humidity it becomes sticky to the touch. The white pulp with a dense structure oxidizes at the cut site. In older individuals it becomes watery and loose. Cylindrical leg covered with dark gray scales.
• and saffron milk cap. They live under coniferous trees. Butterflies are characterized by a slimy skin that appears to be coated with oil. Hemisphere-shaped hats reaching 16 cm in diameter are painted in a spectrum of colors from brown-chocolate to yellow-brown. As they grow older, the shape straightens out, becoming flat. The color of the stem is usually lighter. The pulp is juicy. The saffron milk cap is characterized by a round cap with concentric circles and a depressed center. The orange pulp oxidizes when it comes into contact with air, acquiring a greenish tint.

If you destroy the host tree, the mushrooms growing underneath will also disappear.

Saprophytic bacteria

Bacteria are such small organisms that they can only be examined with the most powerful microscopes, magnifying hundreds of times. And although in ordinary life a person is not given the opportunity to see them, he has to deal with the results of their activities every day. Thus, thanks to them, the existence of fermented milk products and wine is possible. And while some bacteria cause infectious diseases, others are of great benefit to humans.

Among them are, for example, some E. coli and bifidobacteria that live in the human digestive tract. They help the body absorb nutrients and fight pathogenic flora.

Definition

The word itself is borrowed from another language, more precisely, it is combined from two Greek words: sapros - “rotten” and phyton - “plant”. In biology, saprophytes are fungi, plants and bacteria that consume dead tissues of animals and plants as food, as well as products released by them during their vital activity. They are distributed everywhere - in water, land, air, and also in the bodies of living beings.

Most often, saprophytes are individuals that do not harm their owner. A person does not even realize what a huge number of different microorganisms are constantly on his skin and inside the body, without causing any diseases. However, under the influence of negative factors (decreased immunity, excessive increase in the number of microbes), everything can change, and saprophytes can cause an infectious disease.

Blue-green algae

These cyanobacteria are involved in the production of oxygen. Scientists believe that it was these ancient microorganisms that began to form the Earth’s atmosphere several billion years ago. After all, at that time there were no trees or other plants that released oxygen during photosynthesis. But bacteria existed. Even now - due to their large numbers - their share in the production of this gas is significant.

Living organisms related to saprophytes

Saprophytes are bacteria and microorganisms that feed on the remains of animals and plants. Being lower beings, almost all microorganisms are safe for humans. But there are also those that can cause harm, for example, dust mites. This inhabitant lives on any surface and feeds on dust. Another example of harmful bacteria is E. coli, which causes severe pathologies when it enters a living organism. By causing an infectious disease, the bacillus can provoke pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis - diseases with a high risk of death.

Important! The habitat of protozoan species is dead carcasses of cattle and other animals. Even though organisms do not feed on living tissue, the food must still be organic in nature

Microorganisms never settle in chemicals and other substances - this environment is destructive for them. That is why preventive measures against ticks and E. coli include hand washing and wet cleaning using soap solutions.

The life cycle of organisms is not complex. In the process of symbiosis, a viable individual is formed, capable of further reproduction by spores.

The meaning of mushrooms in nature

Nutrients decomposed by mushrooms are subsequently absorbed by other plants. Living creatures (animals and insects) feed on cap species. There are also mushrooms that are specially grown artificially. These are champignons and oyster mushrooms. Mold fungi (aspergillus, penicillium) are used to produce antibiotics and even hard cheeses. Ergot (formed on cereal crops) is used to combat malignant tumors.

Many parasitic fungi cause harm to living organisms and plants, causing diseases. Considerable damage is caused to wood. It is not recommended to use contaminated building material for wooden buildings.

Since the mushroom culture can cause fatal poisoning, experts advise collecting it with great caution.

Similarities between saprophytes and parasitic bacteria

Since by their nature these species are quite difficult to distinguish, the following classification arose:

Facultative saprophytes

They can be called hemiparasites or conditional saprotrophs. This includes microorganisms that can exist without a nutrient medium containing living cells. In some cases they look like saprophytes, but in many ways they are parasites

They grow very poorly on nutrient media and occupy a very important place in nature.

Facultative parasites

They can be called conditional parasites or semi-saprophytes. This includes microorganisms that lead their lifestyle like saprotrophs. However, under different environmental conditions, they can settle on a living organism and lead their lifestyle like parasites.

Life activity of parasites

Almost the entire life of parasites passes inside another organism; they not only live in it, but also feed on living cells. It could be a plant, an animal, a person - in other words, just the owner.

Anything can become a source of parasite infection. Sometimes it is enough to eat an unwashed fruit or vegetable, and the parasite eggs will end up inside the body. This often happens when in contact with animals, because most of them are carriers of parasites.

The fact of infection is not only unpleasant, but can also be dangerous, because if left untreated, very serious complications can occur, even death.

Ecological function

Saprophytes play a very important role in the ecosystem; they are part of organisms that complete the natural cycle of matter. When they destroy organisms that have already completed their life cycle, they receive nutrients that are recycled, released and returned to the environment. There they are again available to other living beings.

Decomposed materials contain nutrients such as iron, calcium, potassium and phosphorus. This is the basis for plant growth.

The cell wall of plants is made of cellulose. This molecule is very difficult to process effectively by the vast majority of organisms. However, mushrooms possess a group of enzymes that allow them to digest such a complex structure.

The end product of this process is simple carbohydrate molecules. Carbon dioxide is released into the environment, where it is captured by plants as a major element in the process of photosynthesis.

Many of the components of living things can be broken down almost exclusively by saprophytes such as lignin. It is an organic polymer found in the supporting tissues of plants and some algae.

biotechnology

Acidophilus bacteria can tolerate high concentrations of some metals. Thiobacillus ferrooxidans has been used to detoxify metal ions in acidic waters of metal mines.

Secreted enzymes may be involved in the reduction of metal ions present in mine wastewater.

The bacterium Magnetospirillum Magnumum It produces magnetic minerals such as magnetite. They form sedimentary remains that indicate local environmental changes.

Archaeologists are using these biomaterials to establish the ecological history of the region.

Saprotrophic bacteria

For effective treatment of parasitic diseases, our readers recommend the parasite remedy “Intoxic”. It contains medicinal plants that effectively cleanse the body of parasites.

Bacteria are present everywhere: in water, air, soil, in mountainous areas and even hot geysers. They can choose plants, animals and even humans as their habitat. Bacteria have a very small size and various shapes, due to which they can penetrate even the most inaccessible places and are resistant to temperatures and other unfavorable living conditions. According to the method of nutrition, they are autotrophic and heterotrophic. The latter, in turn, are divided into saporotrophs (saprophytes) and symbionts. Let's take a closer look at saprophyte bacteria.

Division of living beings according to type of nutrition

Every living organism requires the supply of certain substances or energy from outside to ensure its existence. The process of consuming these resources is called nutrition.

According to the method of nutrition, all living organisms are divided into two types:

Autotrophs are organisms that are capable of independently producing the organic substances they need from inorganic ones. These include most plants that obtain their food from carbon dioxide and water using solar energy.

Heterotrophs are creatures that need ready-made organic substances. This is a huge group of living organisms, within which there are many more classifications. Heterotrophs are divided into biotrophs and saprotrophs. The former feed on living organisms: animals or plants. These also include parasites that have adapted to a life where their host is both food and home for them.

Saprotrophs, on the other hand, obtain food from dead creatures or their secretions (including excrement). This group includes bacteria, plants, fungi (saprophytes) and even animals (saprophages). They, in turn, are also divided into different subgroups: detritivores (feeding on detritus), necrophages (consuming animal corpses), coprophages (feeding on feces) and others.

Bioremediation

DDT has long been used to combat certain diseases, especially those transmitted by insects to humans. The use of this insecticide has been banned in many countries due to its persistence in the environment and its severe toxicity to animals.

Bioremediation involves the use of microorganisms to break down organic pollutants found in the environment. In this way, they can be converted into simpler and less dangerous compounds.

The feasibility of this strategy is high as it is low cost, accepted by the affected population and can be implemented directly at the site of need.

Chlorinated biphenyl compounds, such as DDT, are resistant to biological, chemical or photolytic degradation. This is due to its molecular structure, which makes it persistent and polluting.

However, bioremediation suggests that they can be partially destroyed by a group of bacteria, among which Eubacterium limosum..

Numerous studies have proven the ability of these bacteria and some fungi to destroy DDT. This has a positive effect on natural pest control in crops.

How does infection occur?

The source of pathogenic bacteria is contaminated food and water. It is possible for adults and children to become infected from cats and dogs that have had Proteus enteritis. Food products at risk include meat, dairy and fish dishes. Most of the intestinal diseases caused by the activity of Proteus spp. (from 75 to 90%), causes the species Pr. Mirabilis.

Microorganisms belonging to the genus Proteus can also cause diseases of the human excretory and reproductive systems. The appearance of these bacteria can cause symptoms of such diseases in adults and children as prostatitis (both acute and chronic), cystitis, pyelonephritis (in particular, infection with Proteus is the cause of most xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis). There is also evidence that Pr. Mirabilis is one of the most common causes of wound infections.

Unlike its more aggressive counterpart, Proteus vulgaris is one of the bacteria that is part of the normal intestinal microflora, and is also a saprophyte that feeds on organic debris, lives in the ground, dirty water or manure.

Comparison

If we compare these two microorganisms with each other, then initially it should be said that their life routine is almost the same. In some cases, these microorganisms become very difficult to distinguish. The fact is that some parasites can behave in the same way as saprophytes. And saprophytes can use for living and further nutrition living organisms that have been greatly weakened due to the onset of illness.

In order to understand how to distinguish these microorganisms, some comparison should be made:

1. Saprophytes, which have the ability to pass themselves off as parasites, develop without the help of another living organism. After some time, they become completely safe for the human body, but only if they are not affected by negative factors. This species is of great importance in the cycle of substances.
2. The conditional type of parasitic forms can live just like an ordinary parasite, but at the same time the nutrition will occur like that of saprophytes. But this happens before full maturity, and then the parasites take root in the tissues and already fully lead their parasitic lifestyle.
3. Obligate parasites. This type uses exclusively living cells for its nutrition, and after they die, the cells die along with these bacteria. Throughout their entire life cycle, bacteria lead an exclusively parasitic lifestyle.

Taking into account the information received, it can be noted that both presented forms of microorganisms can equally cause harm to humans. Only saprophytes also provide certain benefits.

In any case, the detection of any of these types of organisms requires immediate treatment.

Harm from saprophytic dust mites

Saprophytic mites themselves do not pose any harm (they do not bite, do not suck blood, and do not transmit infections); the keratin-containing products of their vital activity, which contain digestive enzymes - the proteins Der p1 and Der f1, pose a danger to human health. They promote the destruction of human skin cells and contain the P1 antigen, which causes severe allergic reactions in people with hypersensitivity, which causes attacks of bronchial asthma (exacerbations occur in the spring-autumn period, especially at night), allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and conjunctivitis. 70% of children with bronchial asthma have a tick allergy.

Having accumulated in house dust and rising into the air, the excrement of saprophyte mites

They do not settle for a long time, but when inhaled they enter the respiratory tract, settling there and becoming the most common cause of an allergic reaction to dust.

In addition to saprophytes, dust contains many other components, both harmless, such as particles of animal and human epidermis, hair or fabric, and dangerous. Any house dust can be a multicomponent inhalation complex of allergens, consisting of mold spores and insect waste products.

Such dust can cause illness or complicate existing illnesses, such as:

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Meningitis
• Atherosclerosis
• Hearing impairment
• Various kidney diseases
• Skin diseases (inflammations)
• Childhood eczema

Dust can be a source of various diseases and, above all, respiratory diseases (especially construction dust). It is she who is an irritant of the human respiratory tract - a factor that aggravates the manifestation of respiratory diseases - pulmonary and bronchial diseases in people who are forced every day to come into contact with dusty things that cause inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose, eyes and bronchi. From here:

• Difficulty breathing
• Appearance of cough
• Sneezing
• Sore throat
• Formation of viscous mucus in the bronchi
• Tearing
• Edema

Benefit

These microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) destroy the dead remains of living beings, turning them into inorganic and simple organic compounds. Thus, they participate in the cycle of substances in nature. These are our constant companions, who will also perform the useful function of recycling dead horny deposits of our skin.

features

heterotrophic

Saprophytes are heterotrophic because they get their energy from dead organic matter or from a mass of detritus. From these decomposed materials, various compounds are extracted and used to perform vital functions of the body.

Osmótrofos

These organisms absorb nutrients through osmosis. Here, the concentration gradient of a substance in two different environments plays an important role for the transport of nutrients.

Obtaining organic nutrients in those organisms that are both osmotic and heterotrophic depends on external digestion. In this case, enzymes promote the degradation of molecules.

Cell wall

Cells of fungi, bacteria and mold have a stable cell wall. This is because they must withstand osmotic and cell growth forces. The wall is located outside the cell membrane.

Fungi have a cell wall made of chitin. In algae they often consist of glycoproteins and polysaccharides, and in some cases silicon dioxide.

Plasma membrane

The plasma membrane of saprophytic organisms has selective permeability. This allows only certain types of molecules or ions to pass through through diffusion.

Change background

Some types of saprophytic fungi modify the pH of the environment. This is a feature of green mushrooms (dematiaceae), which are part of the genus Penicillium.

Bacteria belonging to the genus Pseudomonas change the color of the environment in which they are found. It is initially yellow and turns red due to the metabolism carried out by the bacterium.

habitat

Saprophytes prefer a moist environment with low temperatures. These organisms require oxygen to perform their vital functions. Development also requires an environment with a neutral pH or a small amount of acid.

Fungi can live on the vast majority of solid substrates because their hyphae allow them to penetrate different layers. Bacteria can also be found in a variety of media, preferring liquid or semi-liquid media.

One of the natural habitats of bacteria is the human body. There are several types of saprophytic bacteria in the intestines. They can also be found in plants, standing water, dead animals, manure and decayed wood.

Mold is a major factor in the decomposition of freshwater and saltwater.

tree

These organisms are the main wood decomposers because it is an excellent source of cellulose. His preference for wood is an aspect of great environmental significance.

This predilection for wood is also a nuisance as they attack wooden structures such as house foundations, furniture, etc. This can have negative consequences for the timber industry.

leaves

Fallen leaves are a source of cellulose, so they are a great way for fungi to grow. They attack all types of leaves, although in some species, such as Gymnopus perforans, they live in certain types of leaves, abandoning others.

Fuco

This nutrient-rich plant matter washes up on beaches. It consists of algae and some land plants that have fallen into the water. Fungi active in this environment are found in marine habitats.

One such example is Dendrifiella salina, which is commonly found in the mushrooms Sigmoidea marina and Acremonium fuci.

manure

This material is rich in nutrients, so mushrooms quickly colonize them. Some species that breed in manure are Coprinellus pusillulus and Coprinellus cheilimenia.

Features of treatment

Treatment of infections in adults, children, domestic animals (dogs and cats) caused by microorganisms of the genus Proteus is carried out using antibiotics. The most effective are rifaximin and nifuroxazide. To combat Pr. Mirabilis is prescribed amoxicillin, nifurantel, cephalosporins. The presence of Pr strains should be taken into account. Mirabilis resistant to amoxicillin (also called indole-positive). Treatment of Proteus infections with tetracyclines is ineffective, since all of them are resistant to this antibiotic. But self-medication in such cases is unacceptable; you must consult a specialist.

When treating a child, it is mandatory to prescribe him probiotics. Bacterial preparations, seeding the intestines, create healthy competition for Proteus, causing a gradual decrease in its numbers and restoration of the normal composition of the intestinal microflora. Probiotics are an essential part of the treatment of bacterial infections in adults and children. They are taken on an empty stomach. The duration of the course must be at least 2 weeks.

Symptomatic treatment of Proteus infections in a child consists of prescribing medications that lower the temperature and relieve pain and inflammation.

Treatment of a child necessarily includes a special diet, from which fatty and spicy foods and allergenic foods are excluded. It is useful to give your baby boiled water.

If left untreated, Proteus enteritis can lead to the development of kidney failure in both adults and children.

Sources

1. Bigon M., Harper J., Townsend K. Ecology. Individuals, populations and communities: in 2 volumes. M.: Mir, 1989. - 667 pp., illus.
2. Vronsky A.V., Applied ecology: textbook. Rostov n/d.: Publishing house "Phoenix", 1996, 512 p. ISBN 5-85880-099-8
3. Garin V. M., Klenova I. A., Kolesnikov V. I. Ecology for technical universities. Series "Higher Education". Ed. prof. V. M. Garina. Rostov n/d.: Publishing house "Phoenix", 2003, 384 p. ISBN 5-222-03768-1

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See what “Saprophytes” are in other dictionaries:

Plants, mushrooms, etc., feeding on decaying substances. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910. SAPROPHYTES plants (fungi, bacteria, etc.) feeding on decaying substances. Dictionary of foreign... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

See Art. Saprotrophs. Ecological encyclopedic dictionary. Chisinau: Main editorial office of the Moldavian Soviet Encyclopedia. I.I. Dedu. 1989. Saprophytes (from the Greek sapros rotten and phyton plant) belonging to the saprotrophs grow ... Ecological Dictionary

- (from the Greek sapros rotten and phyton plant) plants, fungi and bacteria that feed on the organic matter of dead organisms. Heterotrophs. They decompose the corpses and excretions of animals, plant remains ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

SAPROPHYTES, plants or fungi that feed on dead and decaying tissues of plants or animals. Usually do not have CHLOROPHYLL. They decompose the corpses and excretions of animals, as well as plant remains ... Scientific and technical encyclopedic dictionary

Plants that live on dead, decaying organic matter. This category includes the majority of mushrooms (see), which, due to the absence of chlorophyll (see) in their constituent parts, use exclusively organic materials for their existence... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary of F.A. Brockhaus and I.A. Ephron

- (from the Greek saprós rotten and phytón plant), plants, fungi and bacteria that feed on the organic matter of dead organisms. Heterotrophs. They decompose animal corpses and excretions, plant debris. * * * SAPROPHYTES SAPROPHYTES (from the Greek sapros... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary

saprophytes

— saprofitai statusas T sritis ekologija ir aplinkotyra apibrėžtis Organizmai (grybai, bakterijos, kai kurie dumbliai), mintantys negyvų organizmų tirpiomis organinėmis liekanomis. atitikmenys: engl. saprophytes vok. Saprophyten, m rus. saprophytes … Ekologijos terminų aiškinamasis žodynas

Saprophytes are a group of microorganisms that feed on processed dead cells of living beings and process complex organic substances into simple inorganic substances. Thus, this microorganism is capable of providing significant benefits.

For normal existence, these bacteria require the following elements:

• Carbohydrates.
• Nitrogen in the form of a set of amino acids.
• Peptides.
• Squirrels.
• Vitamins.
• Nucleotides.

These bacteria, being in the human body, do not cause any harm to him, but, on the contrary, bring benefit, albeit small.

But, unfortunately, under the influence of external factors, bacteria can begin to have a negative effect

, provoking the occurrence of various diseases. This situation is explained by the fact that saprophytes also secrete waste products. And it is these products that can be dangerous for the human body, because microorganisms feed on dead cells, which can cause various kinds of allergic reactions. For example, a type of bacteria such as E. coli can cause diseases such as meningitis, pneumonia, and sepsis. All of these diseases are dangerous because they can be fatal.

The role of these bacteria in the life of humans and animals is quite important, since they are the ones who process the so-called waste. They even received the title of “body orderlies.”

In addition to all this, saprophytes, when feeding, break down dead tissue in such a way that there is enough to feed other organisms.

If we consider measures to combat such pathogens, we can highlight the following actions:

• Timely implementation of preventive vaccinations.
• Careful control over the quality of food and water sources.
• Constant heat treatment of products.
• Constant observance of the most necessary rules of hygiene.
• Occasionally it is necessary to disinfect the premises.
• Daily wet cleaning of the premises.

Life activity of parasites

Parasites spend almost their entire lives inside another organism and feed on its living cells. The plant or animal within which the bacterium lives and whose cells it feeds on is usually called the host. Parasitism is a relationship between one type of living organism (parasite) and another (host), during which the first lives and feeds at the expense of the second.

Viruses

Viruses are parasites that do not show any signs of life while outside the cell of a living organism. Due to the fact that viruses themselves do not have a cellular structure, they also do not produce energy, do not feed, do not grow, and are not capable of metabolism. Being outside a living cell, viruses are similar to inanimate matter, but there are two properties that distinguish them:

• The ability to reproduce, that is, to reproduce forms similar to oneself.
• Heredity and variability.

The life cycle of the virus consists of the following stages:

• Penetration into a living cell.
• A change in metabolism inside the cell, causing the production of viral nucleic acids and proteins.
• Self-assembly of the virus inside the cell from produced viral acids and proteins.
• From an overabundance of newly formed viruses, the cell dies
• Viruses leave the host cell.

By colonizing human and animal cells, viruses provoke the development of many dangerous and sometimes fatal diseases.

Living world

Saprophytes occupy an important place in the cycle of substances in nature, breaking down complex organic substances into simple ones, cleaning the world from the rotting remains of animals. Who belongs to this group of hard workers? Saprophytes are quite widespread in the world.

Examples of them can be found in every kingdom. They are found in abundance among bacteria (single-celled protozoa), among fungi (from mold to mushrooms consumed by humans), among plants (from algae to flowering plants such as orchids).

Among animals there are also saprophytes (we will also name examples of them). However, then it would be more correct to call them saprotrophs or saprophages. In the animal world, saprophytes include some insects (dung beetles, leather beetles, fly larvae and other insects), earthworms, and many crustaceans (crayfish, benthic amphipods). Among the large representatives of the animal world are birds (crows, vultures, vultures), some fish and various animals (hyenas, bears and everyone who has to eat carrion).

Fungi and saprophytic plants

In the kingdom of mushrooms there are also representatives of this category: small and medium, even large. They eat fallen leaves, humus, trunks and branches, manure, charcoal, feathers and down of birds, and animal hair. In general, all organic matter available to them. For example, white honey fungus, sulfur-yellow false honey fungus, shaggy dung beetle, boletus, boletus and many others are saprophytes. Many forest mushrooms enter into symbiosis with higher plants (trees, shrubs), producing fertilizers necessary for plant nutrition from all kinds of plant and animal remains.

All sorts of microscopic saprophytic fungi are of great importance (often not very pleasant). They often settle in food products, transforming them with their vital activity, creating both later edible and inedible products. Moldy bread and sour jam, fermented fruit juice, rotten apples are their work. Among the useful ones are kombucha, Indian rice, fungal fermentation in the production of alcohol.

The Plant Kingdom also contains saprophytes. What it is? These representatives of the flora, as a rule, lack the elements of photosynthesis (pigments) and this process is carried out due to their adaptability to eating food from mushrooms, for example. The inability to carry out photosynthesis may be partial. Thus, some types of orchids depend only to a certain extent on fungi, but can additionally carry out photosynthesis.

Such plants are called mycoheterotrophs. They number more than 400 different species.