Question

Write the name of bacteria which converts milk to curd

Answer 1

Curd is a fermented form of milk. This process of conversion of milk to curd is brought about by certain rod-shaped bacteria that are gram-positive non-spore-forming bacteria. They are part of the lactic acid bacteria group.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
Milk converts to curd due to the production of lactic acid. This process of conversion of milk to curd occurs due to the action of bacteria Lactobacillus that form lactic acids from sugars present in the milk.
Lactobacillus is a genus of Gram- positive bacteria, anaerobes that are rod- shaped, and do not form spores. They belong to the lactic acid bacteria group. In humans, they form a part of the microbial flora of many body sites such as the digestive system, urinary system and genital system.
Lactobacilli exhibit a mutualistic relationship with the human body where they obtain nutrition and protection from the human body while protecting the host body against potential pathogenic invasions. It is the most common probiotic component found in foods such as yoghurt. These probiotics benefit the cases of irritable bowel syndrome by returning homeostasis.

Note:
- The genus Lactobacillus contains over 180 different species. Out of these, curd may contain a variety of Lactobacilli , such as the Lactobacillus acidophilus , Lactobacillus lactis , and Lactobacillus lactis cremoris , etc.
- Lactobacilli have diverse applications in the maintenance of human well- being as it can help to treat diarrhoea, vaginal infections, and certain skin disorders too.
- Certain Lactobacilli produce hydrogen peroxide which inhibits the growth of a fungal pathogen Candida albicans.
- Some species of Lactobacillus are also used as starter cultures for other foods apart from curd, such as cheese, yoghurt, wine, cocoa, pickles, etc.