Microbiology

Microorganisms, or microbes, are minute organisms that cannot be seen with the naked eye due to their extremely small size.
They occur virtually everywhere - in air, soil, water, food, and within and on our bodies.
Microbes include a wide variety of organisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, algae, and fungi.
Most microorganisms are harmless, but some can cause disease, known as pathogens.

Bacteria are single-celled prokaryotic organisms. They have a simple cell structure without a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
They reproduce asexually by binary fission, a process where one cell divides into two identical cells.
Bacteria play a vital role in nitrogen fixation in the soil, making nitrogen available to plants.
Numerous bacteria are involved in the fermentation process which is used in food production like in making yoghurt, cheese, and alcoholic beverages.

Viruses are non-living entities that can only reproduce within a host cell.
They infect all types of life forms, from animals and plants to bacteria.
Viruses have a simple structure of genetic material (either DNA or RNA) enclosed in a protein coat.
They can cause diseases including flu, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19.

Protozoans are single-celled eukaryotic organisms with complex structures.
They can move using various methods such as through pseudopodia, cilia, and flagella.
Some species are parasites and can cause diseases including malaria and sleeping sickness.

Algae are a diverse group of photosynthetic organisms, ranging from single-celled to multicellular forms.
They form the base of the aquatic food chain and help in oxygen production in the atmosphere.
Economically important as they can be used to produce biofuels, food additives, and are sources of certain medicines.

Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that include multicellular moulds and single-celled yeasts.
They are important decomposers, playing an essential role in nutrient cycling.
They can also cause plant and animal diseases, but also have uses in the production of bread, beer, and antibiotics.