Microbiology refers to the study of microorganisms, or the living organisms that are too small to be observed by the naked eye. This discipline puts emphasis on the function, classification, and structure of these organisms, and explores ways to exploit and control their activities. Microbiology is an extremely dynamic field that magnetizes the attention of many, Steven Rindner being one of them. This is one of the most important sub-sectors of biology. By choosing to analyze microorganisms up close, microbiologists tend to play an important role in combating disease, developing chemical products for agriculture and even aids in keeping the planet healthy.
Microbiology is a branch of biological science focused on the study of microscopic unicellular or cell-cluster organisms and infectious agents. There are a wide variety of microbes studied by microbiologists today, including algae, protozoa, fungi, viruses, bacteria and eukaryotes. Such microbes might dramatically differ from one another in terms of their characteristics and size. Even though microbes commonly carry negative connotations owing to the association of particular microbes with diseases, it is important to note that there are many other microbes that carry multiple advantages. For instance, microbes underpin processes like industrial fermentation and antibiotic production. They may act as molecular vehicles meant for transferring DNA to complex organisms like animals and plants.
Here are a few interesting facts about microbiology:
- The human body has more microbes than there are human cells. Microbes are ten times more than the number of human cells present in a living human being.
- There are approximately 500 bacteria species found in the human mind.
- Thiomargarit namibiensis and Epulopiscium fischelsoni are the largest bacteria that can be viewed with the naked eye. Also known as ‘sulfur pearl of Namibia’, such bacterium is found in the Ocean.
- Having a length of approximately 25 feet, beef tapeworm is the largest parasite.
- Mycoplasmas are the smallest known bacteria.
- In the year of 1918, the influenza virus killed more people than those who died in World War 1.
- Half of the oxygen in the atmosphere is generated by microbes.
- Even though microbes are small, they are not simple at all. In fact, they tend to have a pretty complex structure, behavior, and process like other animals.
- Life on earth cannot be sustained without microbes.
- It is true that there are microbes everywhere, but not all microbes are everywhere.
- Microbes are commonly used to solve certain crimes, and play an important role in forensic science.
- Antonie van Leeuwenhoek is called the “father of microbiology”. He was a majorly self-taught Dutch scientist who lived in the 17th century.
Microbiology is a broad discipline. Microbiologists commonly study microbes at the level of proteins and genies, at the community level and at the cellular level. Branches of microbiology also commonly include bacteriology, microbial agents, mycology and virology. Being a bio major, Steven Rindner enjoys learning about life sciences. He has a keen interest on diverse spheres of biology, including microbiology.
