Microbiology and its branches

 

MICROBIOLOGY

MICROBIOLOGY is the study of small living organisms that our naked eyes cannot see. It’s the combination of three words: MICRO = very small, BIO = living organisms, and LOGY = to study. So, Microbiology is the study of all living organisms that are too small to be visible with the naked eye. This includes bacteria, archaea, viruses, fungi, prions, protozoa, and algae, collectively known as 'microbes'.

Microbiology is the branch of science that deals with the study of microorganisms, which are tiny living organisms that are usually too small to be seen with the naked eye. These include bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, algae, and some parasites. Microbiology helps us understand how these organisms live, grow, interact with their environment, and affect other living beings, including humans, animals, and plants.

These microbes play key roles in nutrient cycling, biodegradation/bio deterioration, climate change, food spoilage, the cause and control of disease, and biotechnology. Due to their versatility, microbes can be put to work in many ways: making life-saving drugs, manufacturing biofuels, cleaning up pollution, and producing/processing food and drink.

Branches of Microbiology

Microbiology is the scientific study of microorganisms—tiny life forms that are mostly invisible to the naked eye, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, algae, and some parasites. The discipline of microbiology is broadly divided into two main categories: Basic Microbiology and Applied Microbiology.

1. Basic Microbiology

Basic microbiology is primarily concerned with the study of microorganisms themselves. It focuses on understanding the biology, classification, structure, function, genetics, and life processes of microbes. This field provides the theoretical foundation for all other branches of microbiology and is often classified based on taxonomy, the biological classification of organisms.

a. Bacteriology- The study of bacteria, which are single-celled prokaryotic organisms.
b. The study of fungi, including yeasts, molds, and mushrooms.
c. Protozoology- The study of protozoa, which are single-celled eukaryotic organisms.
d. Phycology (or Algology)- The study of algae, photosynthetic organisms found mostly in aquatic environments.
e. Parasitology study of parasites, organisms that live in or on a host organism and benefit at the host’s expense.
f. Virology-The study of viruses and virus-like agents, including their structure, classification, and genetics.

2. Applied Microbiology

Applied microbiology deals with the practical application of microorganisms in various industries and fields to solve real-world problems. In this area, microorganisms are not studied purely for theoretical understanding, but are instead utilized for their beneficial or harmful effects.

a. Medical Microbiology

Focuses on microorganisms that cause diseases in humans and animals. It includes the study of pathogens, diagnosis of infections, and development of vaccines and treatments. Example: Identifying Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, and studying its antibiotic resistance.

b. Pharmaceutical Microbiology

Involves the use of microbes in the production of pharmaceutical products such as antibiotics, vaccines, vitamins, and enzymes, and in quality control to prevent microbial contamination. Example: Using Penicillium notatum in the industrial production of penicillin.

 c. Industrial Microbiology

Uses microorganisms on a large scale for industrial processes like fermentation, enzyme production, and wastewater treatment. Example: Employing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) in the brewing industry for alcohol production.

d. Microbial Biotechnology (Genetic Engineering)

Involves the genetic modification and manipulation of microbes to develop new products or improve existing ones, often used in agriculture, industry, and medicine. Example: Engineering Escherichia coli to produce human insulin.

e. Agricultural Microbiology

Study microorganisms involved in agriculture, including those that affect plant health, soil fertility, and crop productivity.

i. Plant Microbiology and Plant Pathology

Examines interactions between microorganisms and plants, including beneficial symbioses and plant diseases. Example: Studying Rhizobium bacteria that form nitrogen-fixing nodules on legume roots.

ii. Soil Microbiology

Focuses on microorganisms in the soil that affect soil structure, fertility, and nutrient cycling. Example: Analyzing the role of Actinobacteria in decomposing organic matter and improving soil health.