Bacteria have evolved all forms of nutrition and nearly all forms of metabolic pathways early in prokaryotic life. Early in Earth's history, the physical and biological environments were constantly changing. In response to these changes, bacteria and other types of prokaryotes developed new metabolic capabilities. Natural selection would favor those with the metabolic capabilities most suitable to the changing environments, so a diversity of metabolic capabilities was produced. In turn, these new metabolic capabilities would …
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showed last 75 words of 384 total
…used to remove pollutants from water, air, and soil in a process called bioremediation. Bioremediation is used to decompose our sewage and to treat oil spills. Humans have also been increasingly using bacteria as metabolic "factories" for commercial products. A variety of product, including acetone, butanol, vitamins, antibiotics, and even yogurt and cheese, are made from cultured bacteria. In conclusion, prokaryotic life is essential to the survival of most forms of life, including us eukaryotes.