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What is Microbiology?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Microbiology is often incorrectly classed as the study of germs or of bacteria. While some microbiologists may specifically study viruses, also called virology, or bacteria, also called bacteriology, microbiology encompasses the whole of studying microscopic organisms. This includes the study of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, some types of algae, and often viruses.

The origins of this field can be traced to scientists positing that small unseeable things might affect other organisms. Anton van Leeuwenhoek was able to observe tiny bacteria in a primitive microscope in the 17th century. Many cite microbiology of medical origin as having been founded by Louis Pasteur and Robert Koch in the mid to late 19th century.

Biologists often study the behavior of paramecium under a microscope.
Biologists often study the behavior of paramecium under a microscope.

Later discoveries in the 20th century, like the discovery of viruses, proved of immense importance to medicine. Most medical professionals today credit this field with some of the most important work related to human illness that has ever been conducted.

Medical microbiology is only one facet of the field. Other subsections of study include applications of the science to physiology, genetics, environmental studies, evolutionary biology, and pharmaceutical studies.

Microbiologists study microscopic organisms.
Microbiologists study microscopic organisms.

In each case, microbes are studied and knowledge about them contributes to these other disciplines. For example, understanding the basic make-up of microbes and how they develop and die is part of physiological microbiology. As well, evaluation of how microbes interact with each other in a complex environment enhances our understanding of our environment.

Microbiologists study the structure of microscopic organisms like the paramecium.
Microbiologists study the structure of microscopic organisms like the paramecium.

Microbiology in simple applications can also help people understand some of the basic functions of baking ingredients. For example, studies into the behavior of yeast allows people to understand how to effectively use yeast to bake bread. It also helps to explain why a loaf may fall flat.

Scientists in microbiology see the world as composed of almost uncountable numbers of tiny unseen parts that influence us in many ways. The field is constantly uncovering more that may be of benefit to all humans interacting with their environment.

The field of microbiology is constantly uncovering information that may be of benefit to all humans interacting with their environment.
The field of microbiology is constantly uncovering information that may be of benefit to all humans interacting with their environment.

Microbiology is only getting started as a science. Scientists estimate that about 99% of the microbes existing on earth have not yet been studied. This suggests that greater application of this science may further help us understand some of the mysteries of life that still daunt us.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent AllTheScience contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent AllTheScience contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon62118

Microbiology is the best biological branch ever. It has a knowledge through environment.

obsessedwithloopy

A fascinating field of study.

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    • Biologists often study the behavior of paramecium under a microscope.
      By: micro_photo
      Biologists often study the behavior of paramecium under a microscope.
    • Microbiologists study microscopic organisms.
      By: WavebreakMediaMicro
      Microbiologists study microscopic organisms.
    • Microbiologists study the structure of microscopic organisms like the paramecium.
      By: snapgalleria
      Microbiologists study the structure of microscopic organisms like the paramecium.
    • The field of microbiology is constantly uncovering information that may be of benefit to all humans interacting with their environment.
      By: nandyphotos
      The field of microbiology is constantly uncovering information that may be of benefit to all humans interacting with their environment.
    • Microbiologists study germ cells that cause illnesses.
      By: Imcsike
      Microbiologists study germ cells that cause illnesses.