Learning about Microbes

show/hide words to know

Bacteria: one-celled, microscopic organisms that grow and multiply everywhere on Earth. They can be either useful or harmful to animals... more

Culture: a growing “soup” of microscopic organisms and the nutrients they need to survive.

Microbe: a living thing so tiny that you would need a microscope to see it... more

Probiotic: food or another substance that helps to replenish or replace microorganisms in specific parts of the body.

Vitamin: molecules found in the cells of living things that are needed for growth. They come from the food you eat, and cannot be made in the body... more

arrow left back to comic

Yogurt to the rescue!

Has a doctor ever suggested that you "Eat some yogurt!" when you’re sick and taking antibiotics? It’s a smart thing to do. Yogurt is chock-full of protein, vitamins, and calcium. It’s also a superb source of good, helpful bacteria. Another word for these good bacteria is probiotics.

yogurtThe good bacteria found in yogurt are known as live cultures. That means they are still alive when you eat them. Yogurt usually contains a few different kinds of microbes. It’s made under controlled conditions to allow only the good bacteria to grow. Letting in bad bacteria might spoil the food and make it taste bad, or even make you sick. The reason to eat probiotics after being treated with antibiotics is simple. You recharge your digestive system with a new batch of good bacteria.

arrow left back to comic


Additional images from Wikimedia via Oxytousc (yogurt).

View Citation

You may need to edit author's name to meet the style formats, which are in most cases "Last name, First name."

Bibliographic details:

  • Article: Yogurt and Probiotics
  • Author(s): Dr. Biology
  • Publisher: Arizona State University School of Life Sciences Ask A Biologist
  • Site name: ASU - Ask A Biologist
  • Date published: July 8, 2014
  • Date accessed: March 6, 2024
  • Link: https://askabiologist.asu.edu/yogurt-and-probiotics

APA Style

Dr. Biology. (2014, July 08). Yogurt and Probiotics. ASU - Ask A Biologist. Retrieved March 6, 2024 from https://askabiologist.asu.edu/yogurt-and-probiotics

American Psychological Association. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/10/

Chicago Manual of Style

Dr. Biology. "Yogurt and Probiotics". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 08 July, 2014. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/yogurt-and-probiotics

MLA 2017 Style

Dr. Biology. "Yogurt and Probiotics". ASU - Ask A Biologist. 08 Jul 2014. ASU - Ask A Biologist, Web. 6 Mar 2024. https://askabiologist.asu.edu/yogurt-and-probiotics

Modern Language Association, 7th Ed. For more info, see http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/08/
Yogurt is a great source of good bacteria for your body. It also makes a healthy snack.

Be Part of
Ask A Biologist

By volunteering, or simply sending us feedback on the site. Scientists, teachers, writers, illustrators, and translators are all important to the program. If you are interested in helping with the website we have a Volunteers page to get the process started.

Donate icon  Contribute

Share this page:

 

Share to Google Classroom