EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes are the main bacteria in the metabolism of undigested food remnants. They help to digest dietary fiber and polyphenols by a complex metabolic energy-harvesting mechanism, which is based on cross-feeding and co-metabolism.

Detailed explanation-2: -The three or so pounds of bacteria living in our gut-mostly in the large intestine-help us digest all manner of food.

Detailed explanation-3: -Break down some substances in food that cannot be digested, such as fiber and some starches and sugars. Bacteria produce enzymes that digest carbohydrates in plant cell walls. Most of the nutritional value of plant material would be wasted without these bacteria. These help us digest plant foods like spinach.

Detailed explanation-4: -Bacteria are small single-celled organisms. Bacteria are found almost everywhere on Earth and are vital to the planet’s ecosystems. Some species can live under extreme conditions of temperature and pressure. The human body is full of bacteria, and in fact is estimated to contain more bacterial cells than human cells.

Detailed explanation-5: -They can be found in yogurt and other fermented foods, dietary supplements, and beauty products. Although people often think of bacteria and other microorganisms as harmful “germs, ” many are actually helpful. Some bacteria help digest food, destroy disease-causing cells, or produce vitamins.