Microbiology is the scientific study of microorganisms, including:
1. Bacteria
2. Viruses
3. Fungi
4. Protozoa
5. Parasites
Microbiologists examine the structure, function, growth, evolution, and interaction of microorganisms with their environment and hosts. They also investigate the role of microorganisms in:
1. Human health and disease
2. Environmental ecosystems
3. Food production and spoilage
4. Biotechnology and industrial applications
Subfields of microbiology include:
1. Medical microbiology: Focuses on microorganisms that cause human disease.
2. Immunology: Studies the immune system’s response to microorganisms.
3. Microbial ecology: Examines the interactions between microorganisms and their environment. 4. Industrial microbiology: Explores the use of microorganisms in industrial processes.
5. Molecular microbiology: Applies molecular biology techniques to study microorganisms.