What is the difference between bacteria and enzyme?

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What is the difference between bacteria and enzyme?

In this article, we will discuss the difference between bacteria and enzymes. This article will also define bacteria and enzyme pointing out the advantages and disadvantaged of both bacteria and enzymes products and the common uses of both. We will also give a brief description of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria.

One of the more common misconceptions is that bacteria and enzymes are the same or that enzymes are bacteria. Nothing could be further from the truth. We will attempt to explain the difference between the two as you read on.

What are Bacteria? Generally people associate bacteria with infection and disease. There are deadly types of bacteria and there are beneficial types of bacteria. Bacteria are commonly defined by describing a wide range of single cell microorganisms with the ability to reproduce. Bacteria have the genetic ability to reproduce by cell division were enzymes do not. Bacteria also have the ability to live and reproduce in a wide range of environments utilizing an even wider range of nutrients such as cellulose, carbohydrates and sugar for population growth of the bacteria. Some bacteria require a more complex form of nutrients or growth medium. Bacterial are adaptable to their surroundings able to migrate to nutrient rich sources of growth medium attaching themselves to structures consuming available nutrients.

Bacteria are found in every corner of our planet. From the deepest sea to the Ice caps of the Polar Regions to the hottest center core of the earth, bacteria is thriving consuming nutrients and multiplying. Bacteria are a crucial part of the environment digesting organic matter and waster produced by our planet. A bacterium recycles organic waste back into the earth.

Uses of bacteria are many: • Bacteria are used in lakes and ponds to break down organic fertilizers that contain phosphorous and nitrates.

• Waste water treatment plants use bacteria in their day to day operation, breaking down organics, assisting the digestion process resulting in waste water treatment plants running more efficiently.

• Bacteria is manufactured and added to foods such as yogurt.

• Beneficial bacteria are used to the treatment of residential septic tanks drain fields, cesspits and septic tank sand mound systems that are failing due to bio mat build up saving consumers thousands in repair and replacement costs. Bacterial in the form of monthly maintenance treatments have been found to be beneficial in maintaining residential septic tank systems.

• Grease traps, grease trap interceptors, grease recovery systems use beneficial bacteria for the purpose of digesting grease, eliminating odors and reducing pump outs.

• Bioremediation is defined as a process of returning contaminated soil back to its original condition. Bacteria are being used in all aspects of this industry.

• Oil remediation employs the use of bacteria in the digestion process of organic oils reducing the expense of conventional oil contamination cleanup.

What are enzymes? Enzymes are described as a protein that acts as a catalyst, biological catalysts or assistants. Enzymes are responsible for increasing the rate of a chemical reaction. Molecules forum in the beginning of the process are called substrates. The enzyme will then convert them into molecules that are referred to as products. Chemicals transform with the help from enzymes are called substrates. Reactants are present in the absence of enzymes.

Uses of Enzymes are many: • Detergents have employed the help of enzymes for over 30 years breaking down fats, oils and protein stains.

• Textile Industry widely use enzymes in the preparation of fabric.

• Foods and Beverage Industry use enzymes in the production of foods such as wine, beer, vinegar and cheeses just to name a few.

• Enzymes are used in the Leather Industry in place of harmful chemicals in the process of tanning raw animal hides.

• Enzymes are also used in the production of bio-ethanol and bio-fuel.

Bacteria and enzymes serve our needs in many different ways, both contribute to the success of our environment and eco system. Remember there are many different types of bacteria and enzymes available on the market, some are beneficial and some are lethal. Make sure you consult with the proper bacterial and enzyme specialist before any application or use of a bacteria or enzyme product you are not familiar with.

By: Bradley Skierkowski