Microbial Applications and Immune Response Mechanisms

Posted on Mar 15, 2025 in Biology

Microbial Applications

Microbes are mixed, culture medium is added, valves release gas, and a tap extracts the fermentation product. Examples include:

  • Alcohol Fermentation: Wine, ethanol production.
  • Lactic Acid Fermentation: Production of substances for anemia treatment and plasticizers.
  • Vinegar Production: Certain bacteria degrade acetic acid.

Industrial Applications of Microbes

  1. Antibiotic Production: Substances produced that affect other living organisms. For example, penicillin inhibits bacterial wall synthesis and interferes with protein synthesis. Industrial production focuses on increased species performance and improved vitamin and antibiotic extraction.
  2. Amino Acid and Enzyme Production
  3. Pest Control: Microorganisms harmful to agriculture are used to control insect pests in their larval or adult stages, eliminating insecticide toxicity.
  4. Wastewater Treatment: Microbes oxidize organic matter in wastewater treatment plants, either anaerobically or in aerated tanks. The amount of organic matter is measured by BOD, indicating oxygen consumption capacity.

Cellular and Molecular Specifics

Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes originate in bone marrow and are responsible for specific pathogen recognition. They require collaboration from microphages and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to function effectively.

APCs present antigens through major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins:

  • B Lymphocytes: Recognize antigens and become plasma cells, producing specific antibodies.
  • T Lymphocytes: Mature in the thymus and are responsible for cellular immunity.

Types of T Lymphocytes

  • Helper T Cells (TH1): Activate macrophages and stimulate cytotoxic T cells.
  • Helper T Cells (TH2): Assist B lymphocytes and their proliferation.
  • Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes (CTL): Directly kill infected or cancerous cells.
  • Suppressor T Cells: Suppress immune response actions.

Lymphoid Organs

Lymphoid organs are primary elements of the immune system:

  1. Primary Lymphoid Organs: Bone marrow and thymus, where leukocytes are produced and differentiated.
  2. Secondary Lymphoid Organs: Spleen and lymphoid tissues, where interactions required for specific cell activation occur.

Key Molecules in Immune Response

  • Antibodies: Proteins produced by plasma cells that bind to antigens, blocking their action. This is part of the humoral immune response associated with bodily fluids. Antibodies are also related to transfusions, allergies, and autoimmune conditions. Antigen-antibody binding is highly specific, neutralizing toxins and microbes, forming complexes, and stimulating phagocytes for destruction. Antibodies are Y-shaped globular glycoproteins called immunoglobulins.
  • Antigens: Molecules that provoke specific immune responses. Most polysaccharides and proteins can act as antigens, with only a small area of the antigen being recognized.