Introduction to Microbiology

Introduction to Microbiology

Microbiology is one of the fascinating fields of science. Microorganisms and their activities are the major concerns of society both nationally and internationally. The developments in biotechnology, genetic engineering and nanotechnology have placed Microbiology in the limelight. Microorganisms provide the model for interdisciplinary research and for studying fundamental life processes. There is growing recognition of microorganisms and their potential in many applied areas like Environmental science, Agriculture, Food and Pharmaceutical industries. The uses of microorganisms are becoming increasingly attractive. Some microorganisms are beneficial to us and we cannot live without them.

However microorganisms can be harmful in many ways and bring about undesirable changes. These microorganisms can cause diseases that can make us sick or even kill us. Although much more is known today about microbial life than ever before, the vast majority of this invisible world remains unexplored. Microbiologists continue to identify new ways that microbes benefit and threaten humans.

Microbiology is the study of living organisms of microscopic size, which include bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa, and viruses. Microbiology is concerned with form, structure, reproduction, physiology, metabolism, and classification of microorganisms. It includes the study of

·                 their distribution in nature,

·                 their relationship to each other and to other living organisms,

·                 their effects on human beings, animals and plants,

·                 their abilities to make physical and chemical changes in our environment,

·                 their reaction to physical and chemical agents.