Which of the following bacteria form Curd from milk? 

The correct answer is Lactobacillus.

Key Points

• Lactobacillus is a genus of bacteria that plays a crucial role in the fermentation of milk to form curd.
• These bacteria convert lactose (milk sugar) into lactic acid, which causes milk to coagulate and form curd.
• Lactobacillus species are commonly found in the digestive systems of humans and animals, as well as in certain fermented foods.
• The lactic acid produced by Lactobacillus not only coagulates milk but also acts as a preservative by lowering the pH and inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.

Additional Information

• Fermentation: A metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol. It occurs in yeast and bacteria, and also in oxygen-starved muscle cells, as in the case of lactic acid fermentation.
• Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB): A group of bacteria, including Lactobacillus, that ferment sugars to lactic acid. LAB are used in the production of yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut, pickles, and other fermented foods.
• Probiotics: Live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Many Lactobacillus species are considered probiotics due to their beneficial effects on gut health.
• Curd vs. Yogurt: Both curd and yogurt are fermented dairy products, but yogurt is made using specific cultures of bacteria such as Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, while curd can be made with naturally occurring bacteria or a small amount of previous day's curd.