Helpful and Harmful Bacteria

• Saprotrophic/saprophytic bacteria are decomposers that feed on dead organisms and wastes. 

• Pathogenic bacteria feed on a living host causing a disease.
  
  

  Helpful bacteria	Harmful bacteria
  Used to : Produce foods (cheese and yoghurt) Recycle nutrients (nitrogen) Produce drugs (antibiotics	Can make food inedible. Many illnesses are caused by bacteria (eg meningitis, food poisoning).