Page 6 - Introduction to Microbiology
P. 6
Microbiology
• Microbiology
– study of microorganisms, a large and diverse group of microscopic organisms that exist
as single cells or cell clusters
– includes viruses (microscopic but not cellular)
• Microbial cells are distinct from animal and plant cells which are unable to live
alone in nature and can exist only as parts of multicellular organisms
– Microorganisms are able to carry out growth, energy generation and reproduction
independently of other cells
