Microbes in Human Welfare: common misconceptions

If your child says… “The bacteria do nothing; milk sets by itself.”

Ask together

What makes the milk proteins clump if the bacteria do nothing?

What’s true

Curd formation depends on bacteria changing milk sugar into acid.

If your child says… “Lots of microbial growth means the product is safe.”

Ask together

Could unwanted microbes also grow strongly?

What’s true

Strong growth cannot guarantee safety, and production needs suitable food, temperature and acidity.

If your child says… “Antibiotics kill cold viruses too.”

Ask together

What could this medicine target if the virus lacks those bacterial features?

What’s true

Viruses lack the bacterial structures and processes these medicines target.

If your child says… “Methane-making microbes need plenty of air.”

Ask together

Why keep the digester covered if methane production needs oxygen excluded?

What’s true

Settled microbial clumps form activated sludge. Some sludge returns to supply microbes to the aeration tank. The rest is digested without oxygen.

If your child says… “Pest control works only if everything dies.”

Ask together

Would surviving ladybirds mean the caterpillar treatment failed?

What’s true

Successful biocontrol reduces harmful pests while conserving other organisms.

If your child says… “Rhizobium helps every plant equally.”

Ask together

Where would these bacteria get suitable conditions if no compatible nodules formed?

What’s true

Rhizobium needs a compatible legume partnership supplying food and suitable conditions for nitrogen fixation.

If your child says… “The fungus gives the plant sugar for nothing.”

Ask together

Which partner can make sugar using sunlight?

What’s true

The fungus receives food because it cannot photosynthesise.