Why in the News?
Kerala has declared Bacillus subtilis as its State Microbe, becoming the first State in India to officially notify a state microbe during the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM).
About Bacillus subtilis
- A probiotic or beneficial bacterium
- Widely found in soil, environment, human gut and fermented foods
- Known for disease control, soil health improvement and boosting agricultural productivity
- Has potential for development of commercial microbial products
Centre of Excellence in Microbiome (CoEM)
- Established by the Kerala government to study the role of microorganisms in health, environment and sustainability
- Focuses on translational research for societal benefit
- Works under Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment in collaboration with Kerala Development and Innovation Strategic Council
Prelims Takeaway
- Kerala is the first State to declare a State Microbe
- Bacillus subtilis is a probiotic bacterium with health and agriculture applications
- CoEM is India’s first integrated microbiome translational research platform
| [2022] Consider the following statements in respect of probiotics:
1. Probiotics are made of both bacteria and yeast 2. The organisms in probiotics are found in foods we ingest but they do not naturally occur in our gut 3. Probiotics help in the digestion of milk sugars Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 2 and 3 |
