Microbiology is a branch of biology that encompasses the study of microorganisms, which are defined as any microscopic organism that comprises either a single cell (unicellular), or a group of cells (multicellular) that differ significantly in their morphology and physiology from macroscopic forms. The field also includes studies of prokaryotes, which include bacteria and archaea.
Microbiology is a vast subject, covering the gamut of microbiological techniques and applications. In addition to its importance in medicine, it also has many applications in other areas such as food microbiology, industrial microbiology (e.g., biotechnology), environmental microbiology and fundamental microbiology. Microbiology studies are often applied to clinical diagnosis and drug discovery (for example, the development of antibiotics).
Some of the most commonly studied microorganisms include:
Bacteria: Bacteria are single-celled organisms that have no organelles or membrane-bound nucleus. They reproduce by binary fission; the process in which one cell divides into two identical daughter cells
Scope Of Microbiology In Australia
Yeasts: Yeasts are unicellular fungi that reproduce by budding or fission. Yeasts reproduce sexually via zygote formation
Viruses: Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites
Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, which are defined as any microscopic organism that can only be seen with a microscope. Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses (but not prions), and some fungi.
Microbiology deals with all aspects of microbiology, including the study of their physiology, genetics and biochemistry. This includes the study of interactions between microorganisms and other organisms, such as plants or animals. Microbiology also deals with the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases.
In Australia, microbiology has been an important part of medical research since at least 1939 when Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet identified the role of antibodies in protecting against infection by viruses.[7] In the late 1950s and early 1960s it was recognised that bacteria were spread among humans through air-borne particles rather than only through contact.[8] This led to the development of vaccination programs for diseases such as polio and measles.[9] Research into these topics continues today.[10]
Microbiology is a vast and wide field of study. It is the study of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa and fungi. Microbiology also includes the study of their role in human health and disease.
Microbiology is a vital component for many industries including agriculture, food production and medicine.
The scope of microbiology in Australia is to ensure that our population remains healthy by preventing infectious diseases from spreading through the country. This is done through testing samples from patients and then identifying any organisms present in them. Once identified, it can be determined how best to treat the patient’s condition or if there are any risks involved with their treatment plan.
The main areas where microbiology is used in Australia are:
