Question

In which food would you find lactic acid bacteria? Mention some of their useful applications.

Answer 1

Lactic acid bacteria can be found in fermented food products such as yogurt, cheese, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and sourdough bread.

Some of the useful applications of lactic acid bacteria are:

• Production of fermented foods: Lactic acid bacteria are used in the production of various fermented foods such as yogurt, cheese, pickles, and sourdough bread.
• Probiotics: Lactic acid bacteria are used as probiotics, which are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when consumed in adequate amounts. They help in improving gut health, digestion, and immune function.
• Preservation of food: Lactic acid bacteria can be used for food preservation by inhibiting the growth of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms.
• Bioremediation: Lactic acid bacteria have the potential to degrade environmental pollutants, such as pesticides and herbicides, through bioremediation.
• Production of industrial products: Lactic acid bacteria are used in the production of various industrial products such as enzymes, biofuels, and biodegradable plastics.