Microbiology: Introduction to
Microbiology
Learning Outcome:
• What is Microbiology
• What are Microorganisms
• Major Groups of Microorganisms
• Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes
What is Microbiology
Microbiology is the study of the structure, function, uses, and modes of existence of microscopic
organisms. Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and
protozoa. Most of which are beneficial to us humans. As humans we have microbiota that aids in the
process of digestion. While in plants the bacteria are responsible for nitrogen fixation and in animals
it aids in cellulose digestion. In fact, these microorganisms are used in industries.
Microbiota: are ecological microorganisms found in and on all multicellular organisms studied to date
from plants to animals.
What are the 5 major groups of microorganisms?
The 5 major groups of microorganisms are Bacteria (and archaea), Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, and
Viruses.
• Bacteria and archaea
Bacteria are prokaryotic cells that play a big role in human health and disease. These
prokaryotes can cause disease but are also part of the human microbiota while living on our
skin, body and on every object in our environment. Compared to eukaryotes their structure is
much less complex because they don’t have a nucleus and any membrane-bound organelles
such as mitochondria and Golgi complexes.
Microbiology
Learning Outcome:
• What is Microbiology
• What are Microorganisms
• Major Groups of Microorganisms
• Prokaryotes vs Eukaryotes
What is Microbiology
Microbiology is the study of the structure, function, uses, and modes of existence of microscopic
organisms. Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and
protozoa. Most of which are beneficial to us humans. As humans we have microbiota that aids in the
process of digestion. While in plants the bacteria are responsible for nitrogen fixation and in animals
it aids in cellulose digestion. In fact, these microorganisms are used in industries.
Microbiota: are ecological microorganisms found in and on all multicellular organisms studied to date
from plants to animals.
What are the 5 major groups of microorganisms?
The 5 major groups of microorganisms are Bacteria (and archaea), Fungi, Algae, Protozoa, and
Viruses.
• Bacteria and archaea
Bacteria are prokaryotic cells that play a big role in human health and disease. These
prokaryotes can cause disease but are also part of the human microbiota while living on our
skin, body and on every object in our environment. Compared to eukaryotes their structure is
much less complex because they don’t have a nucleus and any membrane-bound organelles
such as mitochondria and Golgi complexes.
