Human Health:
* Bacillus anthracis: The causative agent of anthrax, a serious disease that can affect humans and animals.
* Bacillus cereus: Commonly found in food, this bacteria can cause food poisoning with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
* Bacillus subtilis: A beneficial bacterium often used in probiotics and as a biocontrol agent.
* Bacillus thuringiensis: Produces insecticidal toxins, making it a widely used biological insecticide.
* Bacillus licheniformis: Another beneficial bacterium, it is used in industrial production of enzymes like amylase and protease.
Industrial and Environmental Significance:
* Bacillus amyloliquefaciens: Used in the production of enzymes for various industrial applications.
* Bacillus megaterium: Known for its ability to degrade pollutants and improve soil fertility.
* Bacillus pumilus: Found in soil and often used as a biocontrol agent against plant pathogens.
* Bacillus coagulans: A probiotic bacterium used in dietary supplements for digestive health.
Important to Note:
* Not all Bacilli are harmful. Many are beneficial or even essential for various ecosystems and industrial processes.
* The characteristics and impact of specific Bacilli species can vary greatly.
It's important to remember that bacteria are constantly being studied and classified. This list represents just a small sample of the many different Bacilli species known to exist.