Bacteria

• What are bacteria?

  Single-celled micro-organisms
• Where can bacteria be found?

  On skin, in food, in soil, in water, and in the air
• What is the difference between pathogenic bacteria and harmless bacteria?

  Pathogenic bacteria can cause food poisoning, while most bacteria are harmless
• What are general symptoms of food poisoning?

  Vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and dehydration
• What are food spoilage bacteria?

  Bacteria that cause food to decay and smell bad
• What conditions do bacteria grow best in?

  Warmth (around 37°C) and moist conditions on neutral foods
• What pH level do neutral foods have?

  A pH of around 7
• Which types of foods are examples of neutral foods containing protein?

  Meat, fish, poultry, gravy, egg dishes, and milk
• What are the key characteristics of pathogenic bacteria?

  • Harmful to humans
  • Can cause food poisoning
  • Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, stomach pain, and dehydration
• What are the effects of food spoilage bacteria on food?

  • Causes food to decay
  • Leads to bad smells
  • Affects texture and flavor