Microbiology is a fundamental biological science that deals
with the study of the smallest life forms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi,
protozoa, algae and other microbes. The branch covers a wide spectrum about
microorganisms, which includes both the causative agents of infectious
diseases and important contributors to food production, antibiotic
manufacture, vaccine development, and environmental management.
The study of microbiology is very important because the
minute life forms present in our planet are indispensable to the entire global
and local ecosystems. They play a crucial role in supporting all animal and
plant life on the planet. Through the study of microbiology, the world has
opened onto the immense, but unexplored realm of the smallest, but most
important life forms that keep the planet running. Without them, there would
be no plant life or animal life on the earth.
Microbiology splits basically into two sections, general
microbiology and medical microbiology. General microbiology mainly deals with
the basic biology of microorganisms and their interactions with their
environment and other organisms, including man. Medical microbiology is a
specialty that covers only the harmful interactions of microorganisms with man
and other animals. Its main concerns are the causes and management of
infectious diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, micro fungi and protozoa.
This field works in relation with parasitology, which is a branch of science
dealing with the diseases caused by multi-cellular parasites.
The field of microbiology is rapidly growing with its
numerous applications in other areas of sciences, medicine, agriculture, and
industry. The field of immunology and molecular biology are working in team
with microbiology.
Microbiology is not a single subject; it is a diverse subject
with immense scope. It is the basis for studying higher organisms. It is a
base for the study of biotechnology, bioinformatics, cell biology, molecular
biology and genetic engineering. The science of microbiology is divided into
numerous subspecialty areas such as bacteriology, virology, mycology and
microbial physiology, microbial genetics, industrial microbiology, medical
microbiology, veterinary microbiology, aeromicrobiology, environmental
microbiology, food microbiology and evolutionary microbiology.
