Introduction
Although it may seem niche, microbiology is one of the most significant branches of biology. Microbiologists play an important role in disease prevention, the development of agrochemicals, and even the preservation of the environment by closely analysing microorganisms.
Here, the discipline is utilised to learn about every part of the organisms in order not only to understand how they exist in their environments but also how they affect their individual surroundings and, in turn, other organisms nearby (human beings, animals, etc.).
Microbiology has consistently proved to be one of the most significant fields in biology, making it possible to define how some microorganisms cause diseases, discover treatments for such diseases and even use a few microbes for industrial applications etc.
The majority of the natural elements on the earth contain microorganisms. All living things, including humans, plants, and animals, are intimately connected to the microbes that consistently recycle important nutrients like carbon and nitrogen, break down organic matter, and influence our daily lives.
Table of Contents
- What is Microbiology
- Importance of Microbiology
- Branches of Microbiology
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Microbiology?
Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, or living things, that are too small to be seen with the naked eye. These living organisms can only be observed under a microscope, and they are referred to as microbes or microorganisms. Bacteria, viruses, archaea, protozoa, microscopic yeasts and fungi, and microscopic algae are all examples of microorganisms.
Characteristics of these microorganisms, including their evolution, behaviour, biochemistry, ecology, and physiology, as well as the pathophysiology of the diseases they cause, are addressed by microbiology research.
These microbes are essential for the biotechnological process as well as for the cycling of nutrients, biodegradation, food spoilage, climate change, and the cause and treatment of various diseases. Scientists estimate that 2 to 3 billion species coexist with humans on the earth, and they make up more than 60% of its living matter. Some microbes also break down organic matter and recycle nutrients like carbon and nitrogen, which are essential for life.
They can be used in various processes, including the production of biofuels, removal of pollution, and manufacture or processing of food and beverages. The following paragraphs will discuss several areas wherein microbiology is extremely significant.
Useful Microorganisms
In an environment, bacteria and fungi serve as essential decomposers. They release inorganic molecules as they decompose trash or dead organic matter. Green plants absorb these nutrients, which are then consumed by animals, and the byproducts of these plants and animals are then broken down by decomposers.
A single-celled fungus called yeast naturally inhabits the fruit’s surface. It is commercially significant in the production of bread, beer, yoghurt etc.
Microorganisms are multicellular and lack differentiated tissues; thus, they are generally unicellular.
Harmful Microorganisms
Microorganisms cause disease and decay because neither of these alterations is an inherent characteristic of organic objects. Numerous microorganisms are known to enter human bodies and cause a variety of diseases in cattle, crops, and other animals.
Examples of well-known human diseases include:
Bacteria: Bacterial Dysentery, Pneumonia, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Cholera, Meningitis, Salmonella, Meningococcal, Bubonic Plague
Virus: Chickenpox, German Measles, Measles, Mumps, Warts, Cold Sores, Influenza
Protozoa: Amoebic Dysentery, Malaria
Fungi: Athlete’s Foot and Ringworm
Importance of Microbiology
There are several ways in which microorganisms benefit the earth. Apart from those that threaten us, there are those who play a vital role in maintaining the health of our ecosystem. Here are some of these important benefits explained.
Importance of Microbiology in the Pharmaceutical Industry
One of the most significant contributions of microbiology to the pharmaceutical industry is the discovery of antibiotics. Microorganisms produce antibiotics as a metabolic byproduct. Another significant microbiological discovery is the vaccine, which prevents viral infection. For instance, the polio vaccine helps in the eradication of polio worldwide.
Another pharmaceutical item produced by microbes is steroids. Other significant advancements in the field of microbiology include the prevention of microbial contamination of medications, injectables, eye drops, nasal sprays, and inhalation products.
Importance of Microbiology in Medicine and Science
Cells in both humans and animals can profit from and be harmed by microorganisms. Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites are some of these microbes. Microbiology in medicine is significant for a number of reasons.
Microbiologists are able to recognise, isolate, diagnose, and prevent harmful bacteria due to their expertise in medical microbiology. They can also create antibacterial medications by genetically engineering advantageous microbes.
A good example of medical microbiology that assists in the prompt detection of pathogens in tissue specimens is fluorescent fusion.
Importance of Microbiology in the Field of Biotechnology
There are many applications for microorganisms in biotechnology. Microbes are used in fermentation to break down complicated organic materials to produce organic acids, ethanol, vinegar, and fermented meals.
In molecular biology and recombinant DNA technology, microbes, such as viruses, are utilised as a source of molecular vectors like plasmids, phagemids, and cosmids.
In bioremediation, organic wastes are broken down by microbes to eliminate hydrocarbons and organic compounds from sewage water.
Bioleaching and biomining are two processes that microbiologists use to extract metals or heavy metals from their ore.
Enzymes, organic acids, vitamins, amino acids, antibiotics, and polysaccharides are additional metabolic products produced by microorganisms for commercial purposes.
Importance of Microbiology in the Food Industry
Bacteria, yeasts, and moulds are a few of the microbes that are involved in food microbiology. Bacteria primarily cause food poisoning and food deterioration, which leads to various disorders affecting the human gastrointestinal tract.
A variety of foods and dairy products are produced using different bacterial strains. These bacterial strains include Lactobacillus Bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium sp. and Streptococcus Thermophiles.
A few microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, are used to control pests that damage agricultural crops. Consequently, they are known as natural pesticides. They are so particular to pests or insects and do not affect humans, animals, plants, or other living things.
Nisin, an antibacterial substance used in cheese, meats, and beverages to prolong shelf life by inhibiting the growth of undesirable bacteria, is an example of microbiology employed in the food sector.
Importance of Microbiology in the Environment
Environmental microbiology is the study of the composition and biology of microbial communities in natural environments. It is applied to the degradation of oil. Although it is difficult to address oil spills in coastal areas and the open sea, a significant amount of the oil can be removed by the hydrocarbon-degrading activities of microbial populations, particularly the Hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria (HCB). These species can contribute to the ecological restoration of maritime environments that have been affected by oil contamination.
It is also used to degrade aromatic compounds. Isolated environmental Acinetobacter strains are capable of degrading a variety of aromatic compounds.
Importance of Microbiology in Chemical Substances
Microorganisms are used to manufacture a wide range of industrial chemical products.
Acetaldehyde, acetoacetic acid, acetic acid, ethanol, butanol, galactose, fructose, glycerol, mannitol, lactic acid, mannose, sorbose, succinic acid, and pyruvic acid are some of these products.
These compounds are produced by various microorganisms, including Aerobacter aerogenes, lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria, butyric acid bacteria, propionic acid bacteria, and E. coli.
Importance of Microbiology in Biofuel
Biomethane can be produced by anaerobic digestion of microalgae biomass, and ethanol can be produced by fermenting carbohydrates. Biofuel can also be produced from extracted microalgae oil.
A significant source of oil content for the manufacturing of biodiesel is microalgae. Additionally, they have higher levels of lipids, which are used as an initial point for the synthesis of biodiesel.
Large amounts of cellulose, starch, mannitol, agar, and laminarin found in microalgae are fermented to alcohol (ethanol and butanol). Chlorella, Dunaliella, Chlamydomonas, Spirulina, and Scenedesmus are among the microalga in this group.
Importance of Microbiology in Everyday Life
In our daily lives, microbiology is used and has a significant impact. Microbiology is used in many aspects of daily life, including food production, biodegradation, the manufacture of commercial goods and genetic engineering. They are required in a variety of dishes. Microorganisms, for instance, are required for the production of curd and cheese.
The lactose sugar in milk is converted to lactic acid by a bacterium known as Lactobacillus, turning milk into curd. Yeast can also be used to make bread, while bacteria are necessary when manufacturing yoghurt. Additionally, only the microorganisms in the human body can manufacture vitamin K.
In order to improve and broaden our fundamental understanding of microorganisms, the science of microbiology investigates their morphology, physiology, metabolism, reproduction, and genetics. This is how microbiology contributes significantly to several industries. In the coming years, we will witness a wide range of further applications of microbiology that will be extremely advantageous for us in every way.
Branches of Microbiology
Due to the importance of microbiology and the ease with which it may be studied, the field is divided into several areas, including Parasitology, Mycology, Bacteriology, Virology, and Microbial Genetics.
The specific disciplines of microbiology have great similarities with one another and with other academic fields, and some of its elements may go beyond the traditional parameters of microbiology. Cellular microbiology is a subfield of microbiology that focuses entirely on research.
Related Links:
- Microbiology MCQ
- The Role of Microbes in Industrial Products
- Difference between Gram-positive and Gram-negative Bacteria
