WHAT IS MICROBIOLOGY?

Micro-organisms and their activities are vitally important to virtually all processes
on Earth. Micro-organisms matter because they affect every aspect of our lives – they
are in us, on us and around us. 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'. These microbes play
key roles in nutrient cycling, biodegradation/biodeterioration, climate change, food
spoilage, the cause and control of disease, and biotechnology. Thanks to their
versatility, microbes can be put to work in many ways: making life-saving drugs, the
manufacture of biofuels, cleaning up pollution, and producing/processing food and
drink.

Microbiologists study microbes, and some of the most important discoveries that
have underpinned modern society have resulted from the research of famous
microbiologists, such as Jenner and his vaccine against smallpox, Fleming and the
discovery of penicillin, Marshall and the identification of the link between Helicobacter
pylori infection and stomach ulcers, and zur Hausen, who identified the link between
papilloma virus and cervical cancer.

Microbiology research has been, and continues to be, central to meeting many of the
current global aspirations and challenges, such as maintaining food, water and energy
security for a healthy population on a habitable earth. Microbiology research will also
help to answer big questions such as 'how diverse is life on Earth?', and 'does life exist
elsewhere in the Universe'?

Bacteria a single-celled microorganisms are incredibly diverse and are important for
a wide range of reasons. Bacteria help to decompose dead plants and animals and help
animals to digest food.

Archaea are single-celled organisms. Although their cells lack a nucleus and they
are classed as prokaryotes, archaea are believed to be more closely related to eukaryotes
than bacteria.

Virus A virus is genetic material contained within an organic particle that invades
living cells and uses their host's metabolic processes to produce a new generation of
viral particles. Fungi are the members of eukaryotic organisms, which includes
microorganisms such as molds, yeasts, and mushrooms.
 Fungi do not photosynthesize rather they obtain their food by absorbing the
dissolved molecules, usually by secreting digestive enzymes into their environment. .
Fungi are the primary decomposers in most of the ecological systems. . The study of
fungi is known as mycology. . Fungi have membrane-bound cytoplasmic organelles, for
example mitochondria, sterol-containing membranes, and ribosomes.

What is difference between bacteria and virus?

Bacteria are tiny microorganisms that are made up of a single cell. ... Viruses can
invade the cells of your body, using the components of your cells to grow and multiply.
Some viruses even kill host cells as part of their life cycle.