Microbiology Overview

What is microbiology the scientific study of?

Which type of microorganisms possess membrane-bound organelles?

What do microbiologists rely on for the isolation and identification of microorganisms?

What molecular biology tools do microbiologists currently rely on for bacterial identification?

How many percent of the microorganisms present in common environments can be cultured in isolation using current means?

Microbiology Overview

Scientific study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.
Aims to understand the biology, ecology, and genetic characteristics of these organisms.

Microorganisms with Membrane-Bound Organelles

Eukaryotic microorganisms, such as fungi and protozoa, possess membrane-bound organelles (e.g., nucleus, mitochondria).
These structures distinguish eukaryotes from prokaryotes, which do not have membrane-bound organelles.

Methods for Isolation and Identification

Microbiologists rely on selective media and culture techniques for isolating and identifying microorganisms.
Techniques include streak plating, enrichment cultures, and serial dilutions.

Molecular Biology Tools for Identification

Tools such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) are essential for bacterial identification.
These molecular techniques allow for precise detection and characterization of microorganisms.

Cultivability of Microorganisms

Approximately 1% of microorganisms present in common environments can be cultured in isolation using current techniques.
This highlights the vast diversity of microorganisms that remain uncultured and unexplored.

Explore the scientific study of microorganisms, including unicellular, multicellular, and acellular organisms. Learn about the sub-disciplines of microbiology such as virology, bacteriology, protistology, mycology, immunology, and parasitology, as well as eukaryotic microorganisms.