How does Strain differ from Species?

The major difference between strain and species is that a strain is a genetic variant. It is also a subtype or culture of a biological species.  However, species is the largest group of organisms, and any two individuals of the appropriate sexes or mating types can produce fertile offspring, typically by reproduction. Several strains can also occur while species is the basic unit of classification or organisms and a unit of biodiversity.

Strain development and species are the two units of classification of a living organism. Their usage might vary depending on the situation.

What is a Strain?

A strain is a genetic variant, subtype, or culture of biological species. They are also used more popularly in microbiology. Furthermore, a strain originates from a single-cell colony, and microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi, have several strains within the species. For example, a “flu strain” is also a certain biological form of influenza or “flu” virus characterized by their differing isoforms of surface proteins. Thereby, a strain also carries a particular genetic characteristic that doesn’t occur in the other members of the species.

Besides genetics, there is a variation of genomes between individuals in the same species of genetic mutations that occurs during sexual reproduction. Genetic variation can be caused because of mutations of genes, gene flow, random fertilization, random mating, and crossing over between homologous chromosomes. Strain development is also an important mechanism that forces evolution through natural selection. It is also important to maintain biodiversity among species.

What is a Species?

A species is a related group of organisms with similar characteristics and interbreed that can produce fertile offspring. It is also the fundamental unit of the classification of organisms. To define a particular species, there are similarities in the DNA sequences, morphological, and ecological features that can be considered. Historically, Charles Darwin describes the origin of species by natural selection in 1859. Sometimes, a particular species might also consist of different breeds with great variations. Often, similar species live in similar habitats since they originated from a common ancestor.

However, many defining species might become difficult due to variations within the species. Species are taxonomic level of organisms which rank below a genus. Although it consists of similar individuals, a species comprises the biggest possible gene pool. Genes can also be transferred between species by horizontal transfer.

Difference between Strain and Species

Definition: A strain refers to a genetic variant or even a subtype of a biological species. But species refer to a group of organisms that can reproduce with one another in nature and produce fertile offspring.

Correspondence: A strain is a subtype of species, but species is the basic taxonomic group of classification of organisms.

Genetics: A strain is an isolate of a given species that has specific genetic characteristics, while organisms in the species have a genetic similarity that is sufficient for mating, and producing offspring.

Identification: A strain can also be characterized by serotyping, functional traits, enzyme type, protein plasmid characterization, etc. However, species can be characterized by their genetic, and biochemical phenotypic criteria.

Do you know that our body has 500 different types of probiotic strains, and the lack of diversity in them can be linked to obesity, digestive, and other health issues? Let's see how we can cure them. Have you heard of strain development? In simple terms, strain development is all about improving an organism's genetics so that it can effectively and successfully carry out the biotechnological process. Another definition of strain development is manipulating and improving microbial strains, which can enhance metabolism in humans. With Strain development, it is possible to achieve the following things:

  • Rapid growth

  • Genetic stability

  • Eliminating the production of compounds that can interfere with downstream processing

  • Non-toxicity to humans

  • Improved use of Carbon and Nitrogen sources.

  • Reduction in cost of cultivation

  • Production of additional enzymes and compounds to inhibit contaminants of microorganisms

  • Reduction in fermentation time

Probiotic bacillus clausii is mostly utilized for treating & preventing diarrhea which is also caused by the use of antibiotics and infections. It is also used for general digestion problems, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel syndrome, and bacterial overgrowth.

Probiotics contain several Bacillus species. These species have been used in consumption and in varieties of formulations that are available worldwide. Some Bacillus species including Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus clausii, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus coagulans, and Bacillus licheniformis are commonly used by humans.

Here are the benefits of Probiotic saccharomyces boulardii

  • Some research has shown that Saccharomyces boulardii in children can reduce severe illness.

  • Some research has shown that taking Saccharomyces boulardii helps in the treatment of acne.

  • Taking Saccharomyces boulardii with antibiotics can help to prevent Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea from recurring in people.

  • Taking Saccharomyces boulardii along with standard H. pylori can help in treating digestive tract infection.

According to probiotics manufacturers, numerous health benefits are linked to consuming probiotics. However, many related side effects can affect a percentage of the population. Let us check out some of the side effects of using probiotics:

  • Probiotics can cause unpleasant digestive symptoms

  • Probiotic foods can sometimes trigger headaches

  • Probiotics can increase infection risk

  • Probiotic strains can increase histamine levels

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Is Sporlac DS Good For Health?

Image
Sporlac DS tablets can act as probiotics that are used for diarrhea, digestive tract issues, boosting immune system, vaginal infections, and other bacterial infections. It has Lactobacillus which works by killing harmful bacteria and maintaining a healthy level of good bacteria. Uses of Sporlac DS It is mostly used to treat diarrhea and digestive tract issue, but many other uses exist where it could be taken like: Stomach infection Infection in intestines Irritable Bowel Syndrome Boost Immunity Infection of Vagina Side effects of Sporlac DS However, Sporlac DS can cause certain side effects associated with the drug like: Gas Bloating How to Use Sporlac DS Inform your doctor about your current list of medications, over-the-counter products like vitamins, herbal supplements, etc., allergies, pregnancy, upcoming surgeries before you consume Sporlac DS. Some health conditions can be susceptible to the side-effects of the drug. Consume it as prescribed by the doctor or follow the printed di
Read more

Sporlac Powder- Uses And Effects

Image
SPORLAC powder is one of the many products produced by Sanzyme Biologics and is a strain of Lactobacillus or Bacillus Coagulans. SPORLAC powder has the same use as any other probiotic to improve gut flora and help in problems of indigestion and diarrhea. Probiotics are known for curing digestive problems and are found in natural foods as well as supplements. They are the good bacteria that are present in the human gut. Consumption of natural or supplementary probiotics helps in keeping several health issues at bay. There are several types of bacteria that are probiotic in nature such as Bacillus Coagulans that are similar to Lactobacillus. The human gut is home to several complex enzymes and bacteria. Hence, you need to choose the right probiotic that will help keep it healthy. Bacillus Coagulans produce lactic acid that helps regulate pH levels and prevent the growth of bad bacteria. Therefore, keeping your gut healthy. The human immune system has known to show improvements
Read more

Probiotic Supplements – Choose The Best One

Image
With people increasingly adopting for healthy lifestyles the use of probiotics has also increased. Probiotics can be consumed through natural sources like yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and other fermented products but in case of allergies these are also available in the form of supplements. Powders, gummies, chocolate, tablets, and capsules, probiotic supplements are available in several forms. All that said, how good are probiotics? They have several health benefits and prevent some harmful illnesses like cancer from spreading. Every probiotic strain is different and they react differently to various illnesses. Depending on the severity of these illnesses they may or may not work. Consulting a doctor before using them might help you understand if they are right for you or no. Sanzyme Biologics is one of the pioneers in Indian biotechnology . They began manufacturing in 1974 and were the first Indo-Japanese joint venture. At Sanzyme the R&D department understands the various s
Read more