Microorganisms
are present everywhere in the universe. They are part and parcel of our
life and these are omnipresent. Some of these comprise the resident
flora of skin and mucosal surfaces of our body that are in contact with
the atmosphere. Microbiology and biotechnology are not mere facts,
terms, and concepts.
In the present era of biological research, these two applied
subjects are making significant contributions towards scientific
knowledge and solving human problems. In order to be an
accomplished biotechnologist, a thorough knowledge of Microbiology
is essential.
Microorganisms were probably
the first living forms to appear on the earth. Microorganisms
are omnipresent in biosphere. Most microorganisms are free
living and perform useful activities. Biosphere in general
comprises of two categories: animate or living and inanimate
or non-living beings. Biology is the science that deals
with the living organisms. The branch of biology that deals
with microscopic forms of living organisms (microbes) is
termed as the "'microbiology".
Microbial
kingdom includes the study of bacteria, rickettsiae, viruses, fungi,
algae and protozoa. Microbiology is further subdivided into bacteriology
dealing with bacteria and rickettsiae, virology the study of viruses,
mycology study of fungi and protozoology deals protozoa. Microbiology
considers the microscopic forms of life as to their occurrence in
nature, their reproduction and physiology, their harmful and beneficial
relationship with other living things and their significance in science
and industry. Microbiologists study bacteria in many ways. The methods
used to study bacteria and other microbes include direct microscopic
examination, Cultivation, biochemical tests, animal inoculation,
serological reactivity and recent molecular biological techniques.
Currently because of their high versatility and rapid turn over
microorganisms are used extensively in genetic engineering and
biotechnological processes and new processes are being developed to
produce variety of enzymes of industrial importance, vaccines,
insecticides, pharmaceutical's and other biological products of interest
to mankind, animals and plants.
Microbiologist
can join State or Central Govt. Job. He/They can also find job with
Private institutions or in industries like Pharmaceutical, Food and
Fisheries etc. They can pursue higher studies or undertake research
careers. They can find attractive jobs outside India.