| Bacteria, often referred to as "germs," are microscopic organisms that are present in water, soil and air, on and in animals, plants and man. They are bigger than viruses (which are only visible using an electron microscope), but smaller than molds (or fungi). They are able to multiply quickly, and need little in the way of "food." Since they are everywhere, all they really need to grow is water, just like molds. They are responsible for bad smells in the refrigerator and in damp basements (along with molds), evil smells in the bathroom (many of those smells are due to anaerobic bacteria: organisms that don’t like to grow in air), and some of them cause disease. The slimy film that coats your celery in the refrigerator is due to the growth of cold-resistant bacteria on the food, with the production of "biofilm." |