What is a characteristic of helpful bacteria?

Helpful bacteria play a significant role in various applications, including medicine, agriculture, and food production. One notable characteristic of these beneficial microorganisms is their ability to produce antibiotics. Antibiotics are substances that inhibit the growth of or destroy harmful bacteria, thus providing a defense mechanism for the host organism. This production is crucial for developing antibiotics used in treating bacterial infections in humans and animals, illustrating the positive impact helpful bacteria have on health.

While some bacteria can indeed cause foodborne illnesses, this characteristic does not pertain to helpful bacteria. Similarly, not all bacteria are harmful to human health, as many are essential for processes like digestion and nutrient absorption. Lastly, helpful bacteria generally do not require high temperatures to survive, as many thrive in moderate environments; high temperatures tend to kill bacteria rather than support beneficial strains. Thus, the ability to produce antibiotics distinctly highlights the beneficial role of certain bacteria in various fields.