Microbiology meaning (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Microbiology:

Microbiology is the science responsible for studying everything related to so-called micro-organisms, microbes, or microscopic life forms.

The term microbiology is formed from the Greek words mikro , which means' tiny 'or' small ', bio , which means' life' and logos (lodge) , which means study 'or' treatise '.

These types of organisms are only visible through a microscope, so this is a fundamental tool in microbiology research.

Microorganisms are cellular units that can be eukaryotic or prokaryotic. To date, only a small part of the existing microorganisms has been known, so microbiology still faces important challenges in the future.

Types of microbiology

Microbiology has generated various branches or fields of specialty, which are oriented to specific phenomena. Let's know the classification:

Bacteriology

It is the branch of microbiology that is responsible for studying bacteria and how they interact with nature. In particular, bacteriology studies bacterial diseases and takes into account aspects such as transmission mechanisms, immunity, reserves, etc.

Mycology

It is the branch of microbiology that deals with studying the development and characteristics of fungi.

Virology

Virology studies the behavior of viruses in the body, emphasizing their structure, characteristics, evolution, modes of infection, their isolation and combat, as well as their use in favor of health.

parasitology

Parasitology is a branch of microbiology that is responsible for studying and analyzing the characteristics and behavior of parasites, as well as the diseases caused by them.

See also:

• Microorganisms.Biology.

Applications of microbiology

As a science, microbiology has many applications in various areas of life, and thanks to it, the reach of science and technology in general has been enhanced.

In addition to having a leading role in the identification of disease-causing pathogens in humans and animals and, therefore, in the development of suitable medicinal alternatives, microbiology is also applied in areas such as industrial production, biotechnology, in the development of energy sources and public administration, among others.

In each of these areas, microbiology has consolidated lines of research, among which we can point out the following:

• Evolutionary microbiology: it is the one that studies how microorganisms evolve over time. Microbial physiology: studies the biochemical functioning of microorganisms. Agricultural microbiology: studies the microorganisms found in the soil that affect crops, depending on the economic potential. Industrial microbiology: deals with the study of microorganisms for exploitation in industrial production. For example, in the production of fermented foods, milk treatment, water and drains. Medical microbiology: it is responsible for studying microorganisms based on human diseases, their modes of transmission and their alternatives. It transversely connects the disciplines of medicine, pharmacy, epidemiology and public health. Food microbiology: deals with the study of microorganisms that are transported through food and their interaction with human or animal health. Phytopathology: studies the microorganisms that affect plants. Environmental microbiology: studies the microorganisms present in the environment, that is, in their natural environments. Microbial ecology: studies the interaction of microorganisms based on the preservation of the environment. Veterinary microbiology: studies the relationship of microorganisms with animal health.