Microbiology goes far beyond the study of bacteria, as it also deals with viruses, parasites, protozoa and their dynamics in the ecosystem. Let’s look at the main microbiological disciplines.
Bacteria and microorganisms are everywhere. The study The biomass distribution on Earth, published on the PNAS portal in 2018, calculated that 15% of the organic matter in the form of carbon on Earth (70 gigatons) comes only from the bacteria that live in the different ecosystems. This figure is only surpassed by plants, which contribute 80% of the total carbon, about 450 gigatons.
Due to their role in ecosystems and in the human physiological system itself, studying microorganisms becomes essential, in all the variants and possible applications that you can think of. If you are interested in this premise keep reading, because today we show you the 7 branches and specialties of microbiology.
- We recommend you read: “Why study Microbiology? 11 reasons to choose this career”
What are the disciplines within Microbiology?
Microbiology is the science responsible for the study and analysis of microorganisms, all beings that are not visible to the human eye. Although this scientific discipline is automatically associated with the study of bacteria, the reality is that there are many more specialties. Next, we show you the most relevant and curious.
1. Bacteriology
It is the study of bacteriathemselves. Bacteriology is responsible for investigating and describing the morphology, ecology, genetics and biochemical processes of bacteria, as well as other microorganisms phylogenetically or anatomically close to them, such as archaea.
Beyond the scientific knowledge of ecosystems and their dynamics, bacteriology is essential in the medical field. A bacteriologist is also responsible in the laboratory for the detection of diseases with biological samples (using PCR, stains, cultures), for the study of epidemiological patterns of a bacterium in a given population and for basic and applied research that concerns this group.
In addition, a professional specialized in bacteriology can also be useful beyond the medical field, since it is possible to exercise this position in a food quality control center, to prevent food from entering the market with pathogens (such as Salmonella). In short, the bacteriologist can specialize in the food industry, clinical laboratories or pure research centers.
2. Mycology
Although mushrooms and visible subterranean hyphae come to mind when thinking of mycology, the truth is that the Fungi taxon also includes molds and yeasts, much smaller heterotrophic organisms that can sometimes only be observed at the low individual level. the microscope. Therefore, microbiology is also responsible for the study of these microscopic groups (forgive the redundancy).
In any case, a mycologist microbiologist usually focuses on the clinical field, that is, the mycoses that affect humanstag. From something as innocuous as the establishment of a dermatophyte fungus on a patient’s skin to invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (growth of Aspergillus niger within the lung), all of these clinical entities can be investigated at the pathogenesis level by a mycologist.
3. Protozoology
Microbiology is also responsible for the study of protozoa, heterotrophic, detritivorous or mixotrophic organisms that live in humid or directly aquatic environments. In general, this group of living beings reaches 10 to 50 micrometers in length, although some can reach millimeters.There are about 30,000 species of protozoa, some with the ability to cause harm to humans .
Undoubtedly, the main objects of study for protozoologists at the medical level are amoebas, since species such as Entamoeba histolytica pose a serious health problem in the most disadvantaged regions of the planet. It is estimated that 500 million people worldwide are infected by this protozoan agent, with a fatality rate of 0.25%. Without the work of these professionals, understanding the dynamics of protozoa and the best drugs to eliminate them would not be possible.
4. Phylogeny of microscopic organisms
Although it seems strange for the general population, a geneticist can also specialize in microbiologyand investigate the phylogenetic relationships of different microorganisms. Thanks to DNA extraction and genomic sequencing of the species that surround us, with the help of various computer programs, phylogenetic trees can be created, which estimate the relationship between them. The trees of life are created starting from the bottom, that is, the prokaryotes.
5. Parasitology
Parasitology is considered a branch of microbiology, even though some parasites (such as tapeworms) are more than visible to the naked eye. In general, parasitology places special emphasis on the study of the life cycles and epidemiological patterns of “helminths”, phylogenetically distant worm-like beings that have in common the infection of one or more hosts throughout their lives. The term helminth encompasses cestodes (tapeworms), trematodes (flukes) and nematodes.
However, a parasitologist can also basically be considered a protozoologist, in the case that he studies agents such as trypanosomes and other similar protists. In short, this discipline deals with theStudy of small eukaryotic living beings that parasitize humans , either intracellularly or extracellularly.
6. Microbial ecology
Until now, we have focused on the study of microorganisms and their relationship with humans, but the reality is that these microscopic beings play essential roles in ecosystems, far beyond infections and pathogenesis. Although all viruses (by definition) are pathogenic, there are thousands of bacterial species (also fungal and protozoan) that carry out their function independently of the presence of a host.
Microorganisms are especially essential in those environments where light does not reach and plants (primary producers) cannot grow. Thanks to chemosynthesis, some bacteria generate organic matter from inorganic compounds, thus promoting a food chain that could not occur otherwise.Microbial ecologists study the positive (mutualism), negative (parasitism) or neutral relationships of microorganisms with other living things , as well as their role in the ecosystem.
7. Astro Microbiology
Although it seems like a term taken from a science fiction movie, the reality is that astro microbiology has been a reality for a few decades. To this day, multiple studies are being carried out that try to explain the possible theories of the appearance of life on Earth, such as panspermia, or what is the same, the transport of life forms on asteroids and other bodies spatial.
A microbiologist specializing in this field can subject bacterial populations to extreme conditions to test certain hypotheses and even (with sufficient funds) send them into space and see if they survive. We are not on conjectural grounds, since studies such as Protection of Bacterial Spores in Space, Contribution to the Discussion on Panspermia have already exposed certain microorganisms to space environments, with very promising results. Bacillus subtilis spores survive exposure in space if they have sufficient mineral protection around them.
In addition to all this, microbiologists in outer space try to look for microscopic life forms (or signs of it) in the stars and planetstag. Unfortunately, this front has not yet reported very encouraging data to date.
Summary
As you may have seen, microbiology is not only the study of bacteria and their applications in the clinical or industrial field. Bacteriology is the branch of microbiology that studies these prokaryotes, and within it, there are many branches that try to make use of these microscopic beings in the different production mechanisms.
In any case, the most general concept of microbiology also encompasses endoparasites, fungi, protozoa and even viruses, viroids and prions. In summary, these disciplines study the role of living beings invisible to the human eye in ecosystems and in diseases.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.