6th Grade · Science · Reading Passage · shared by Luke Morgan
This 6th Grade Science reading passage explores helpful and harmful Streptococcus bacteria, detailing their roles in food and disease.
The Tale of Two Bacteria
The microscopic world is filled with tiny living things called bacteria that exist almost everywhere on our planet. While many people think all germs are dangerous, many types of bacteria actually help us stay healthy. Two members of the same genus, known as the Streptococcus group, show how different these organisms can be. One type helps create delicious snacks, while the other can make you feel sick for several days. Understanding these differences helps us appreciate the roles that bacteria play in our daily lives and health.
The first type is called Streptococcus thermophilus , which is a friendly bacterium used to make creamy yogurt. This organism works by turning the natural sugars found in milk into a substance called lactic acid. This process changes the texture of the milk, making it thicker and giving yogurt its tangy flavor. Because it survives heat, it is perfect for the warm environment needed during the food production process. Eating this bacterium can help your digestive system work by balancing the environment inside your intestines.
In contrast, Streptococcus pyogenes is a harmful bacterium that often leads to a painful condition known as strep throat. Unlike its helpful cousin, this version is a pathogen , which means it is an organism that causes disease. When these germs enter the throat, they attach to the lining and multiply quickly, causing redness and swelling. Your immune system must work hard to fight off these invaders, which often results in a fever. Doctors usually prescribe medicine to help your body remove these unwanted guests from your system safely.
Even though these two bacteria share a similar name and shape, their impact on the human body is different. Both appear as chains of round cells, but their chemical…