NCERT Exemplar Class 8 Science Chapter 2: Microorganisms: Friend and Foe
NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 2 – Microorganisms: Friend and Foe explains the vital role of microscopic organisms in our daily lives. The chapter begins with the classification of microorganisms into bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae, and viruses. Students learn where these microorganisms are found, their growth conditions, and their impact on humans, animals, and plants. One major subtopic is the useful microorganisms, where NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science highlight how bacteria help in making curd, yeast assists in baking, and microbes are used in producing antibiotics, vaccines, and alcohol. This part also explains their importance in nitrogen fixation, soil fertility, and recycling of nutrients.
The chapter also explains harmful microorganisms, including disease-causing microbes like Plasmodium (malaria), Salmonella (food poisoning), and viruses that spread diseases such as polio, influenza, and COVID-19. Students also learn how contaminated food and water can spread infections, emphasizing the need for hygiene and food preservation. NCERT Exemplar Solutions for Class 8 Science also discuss food preservation techniques like pasteurization, refrigeration, canning, and adding preservatives such as salt and sugar to prevent spoilage. Another important concept is microbes in agriculture and industry, which shows their application in producing organic fertilizers, antibiotics, and vaccines. By solving the NCERT Solutions for Class 8 Science Chapter 2, students understand both the beneficial and harmful roles of microorganisms. This helps them appreciate how tiny organisms support industries, healthcare, and the environment, while also creating awareness of diseases and their prevention. The chapter develops practical knowledge of everyday science, making it highly useful for exams as well as real-life learning.