NEETZoologyMicrobes in Human Welfare
What are lactic acid bacteria (LAB)?
Options
- ABacteria that cause disease
- BBacteria that produce acid
- CBacteria that produce CO₂
- DBacteria that cause spoilage
Correct answer
B. Bacteria that produce acid
Step-by-step solution
We use microbes or products derived from them everyday. A common example is the production of curd from milk. Micro-organisms such as Lactobacillus and others commonly called lactic acid bacteria (LAB) grow in milk and convert it to curd. During growth, the LAB produce acids that coagulate and partially digest the milk proteins. A small amount of curd added to the fresh milk as inoculum or starter contain millions of LAB, which at suitable temperatures multiply, thus converting milk to curd, which also improves its