Asansol Girls' College

Definition: Microbiology is the branch of biology that studies microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae, and protozoa. It examines their structure, physiology, genetics, ecology, and interactions with other organisms and the environment.
Scope: Microbiology encompasses various sub-disciplines, including medical microbiology, environmental microbiology, industrial microbiology, and agricultural microbiology. It investigates microorganisms’ roles in human health, disease, food production, biotechnology, and ecosystem functioning.
Types of Microorganisms:
- Bacteria: Single-celled prokaryotic organisms found in diverse habitats, ranging from soil and water to human bodies. They play essential roles in nutrient cycling, symbiotic relationships, and disease processes.
- Viruses: Non-living infectious agents composed of genetic material (DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat. They require a host cell to replicate and are responsible for causing diseases in humans, animals, and plants.
- Fungi: Eukaryotic organisms, including yeasts, molds, and mushrooms, with diverse ecological roles. They can be beneficial as decomposers, food sources, or producers of antibiotics, but some species are pathogens causing diseases in humans and crops.
- Algae: Photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms found in aquatic environments, ranging from microscopic plankton to large seaweeds. They produce oxygen, serve as primary producers in food chains, and are used in bioremediation and biofuel production.
- Protozoa: Single-celled eukaryotic organisms with diverse ecological roles, including predation, parasitism, and symbiosis. They inhabit various environments, such as soil, water, and animal intestines, and can cause diseases in humans and animals.
Research Areas:
- Medical Microbiology: Studies infectious diseases, microbial pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance, and diagnostic methods for identifying pathogens and treating infections.
- Environmental Microbiology: Investigates microbial communities, biogeochemical cycles, and ecological processes in natural and engineered environments, such as soils, water bodies, and wastewater treatment plants.
- Industrial Microbiology: Utilizes microorganisms for biotechnological applications, including fermentation, biofuel production, bioremediation, and enzyme synthesis.
- Agricultural Microbiology: Studies the roles of microorganisms in soil fertility, plant growth promotion, nitrogen fixation, and plant diseases, as well as microbial bioproducts for agriculture.
Techniques and Methods:
- Microscopy: Observes microorganisms using light microscopy, electron microscopy, or fluorescence microscopy to visualize their morphology, structure, and interactions.
- Culturing: Cultivates microorganisms in laboratory media to isolate and characterize pure cultures, study growth kinetics, and perform biochemical tests.
- Molecular Biology: Analyzes microbial genetics, gene expression, and phylogenetic relationships using techniques such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction), DNA sequencing, and gene editing.