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Why would it be bad to wipe out all the bacteria?

Bacteria are unicellular organisms and are extremely small to be viewed by the naked eye. They are usually observed through a microscope. These organisms are present practically everywhere, from our homes to the oceans, soil, near volcanoes, etc. 


Bacteria carry out a large number of functions and are responsible for various processes. A number of bacteria are pathogenic. That is, they can cause infections and diseases. That is why we disinfect water before it is supplied to people. However, it would be a bad idea to wipe them all out.


Several bacteria are helpful to us and are essential for operations like wastewater treatment or making yogurt (or curd). They are also commonly used in pharmaceutical industry for manufacturing useful chemicals. Bacteria are also responsible for nitrogen-fixation and processes of nitrification and denitrification. They also participate in the nutrient cycling.


For all these and many more bacterial functions, we should not wipe them all out.


Hope this helps. 

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