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Microbiology: Introduction and Scope, Notes, Books, PDF Downloads, MCQ

A  microbe,  or microorganism,  is a  microscopic organism that comprises either a  single cell (unicellular); cell clusters; or multicellular, relatively complex organisms.

Microbiology: The detailed study of microorganisms.

Microorganisms are very diverse; they include:

  • Bacteria
  • Fungi
  • Algae
  • Protozoa
  • Microscopic plants (green algae)
  • Animals such as rotifers and planarians.
  • Some  microbiologists  also  include  viruses.
  • Most microorganisms are unicellular, but this is not universal, since some multicellular organisms are microscopic.
  • Some unicellular protists and bacteria, like Thiomargarita namibiensis, are macroscopic and visible to the naked eye.
  • Most importantly, these organisms are vital to humans and the environment, as they participate in the Earth’s element cycles, such as the carbon cycle and the nitrogen cycle.
  • Microorganisms live in all parts of the biosphere:
    • soil
    • water
    • hot springs
    • on the ocean floor
    • in the atmosphere
    • deep inside the rocks, within the Earth’s crust

Scope of Microbiology

  • Microorganisms are present everywhere on earth which includes humans, animals, plants and other living creatures, soil, water and atmosphere.
  • Microbes can multiply in all three habitats except in the atmosphere.
  • Together their numbers far exceed all other living cells on this planet.
  • Microorganisms are relevant to all of us in a multitude of ways.
  • The influence of microorganism in human life is both beneficial as well as detrimental also.
  • For example microorganisms are required for the production of bread, cheese, yogurt, alcohol, wine, beer, antibiotics (e.g. penicillin, streptomycin, chloromycetin), vaccines, vitamins, enzymes and many more important products.
  • Microorganisms are indispensable components of our ecosystem.
  • Microorganisms play an important role in the recycling of organic and inorganic material through their roles in the C, N and S cycles, thus playing an important part in the maintenance of the stability of the biosphere.
  • There is vast scope in the field of microbiology due to the advancement in the field of science and technology.
  • The scope in this field is immense due to the involvement of microbiology in many fields like medicine, pharmacy, diary, industry, clinical research, water industry, agriculture, chemical technology and nanotechnology.
  • Microorganisms also have harmed humans and disrupted societies over the millennia.
  • Many microbes spoil food and deteriorate materials like iron pipes, glass lenses, computer chips, jet fuel, paints, concrete, metal, plastic, paper and wood pilings.
  • The  study  of  microbiology  contributes  greatly  to  the  understanding  of  life  through enhancements and intervention of microorganisms.

Role and application of microbiology in different fields

Microbial physiology and BiochemistryStudy the synthesis of antibiotics and toxins, microbial energy production, microbial nitrogen fixation, effects of chemical and physical agents on microbial growth and survival etc.
Immunology and MedicineImmunology:  The  study  of the immune  system  which protects the  body  from pathogens)Deals with the identification and measures to cure diseases of humans and animals which are infectious to them. They have also provided us with the means of their control in the form of vaccines, antibiotics and other medically important drugs.
Molecular biology Microbial genetics and Genetic engineeringStudy of genetic information and how it regulated the development and function of cells and organisms. New genes can be inserted into plants and animals. Genetic engineering: microbes are used to make hormones (insulin, human growth hormone), vaccines, antibiotics, interferon and many other useful products for the human beings.Development of new efficient microbial strains to synthesize useful products.
AgricultureThe influence of microbes on agriculture; the prevention of the diseases that mainly damage the useful crops.
Food scienceMicroorganisms have been used to produce food,  from brewing and winemaking, Use of microbes to produce cheese, yoghurt, pickles and beer. Microbes are also responsible for food spoilage so their study helps in the prevention of spoilage of food and foodborne diseases.
Industrial microbiologyInvolves the use of microbes to produce antibiotics, steroids, alcohol, vitamins and amino acids etc.
Microbial ecologyBiogeochemical cycles: bioremediation (clean up the environment of toxic compounds) to reduce pollution effectsMicrobes  are  responsible  for  the  cycling  of  carbon,  nitrogen  phosphorus (geochemical cycles)Maintain ecological balance on earth Maintain soil fertility and may also be
Role and application of microbiology in different fields

Microbiology MCQ with answers:

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