Page 8 - Introduction to Microbiology
P. 8
Why Microbiology?
• As an applied biological science, microbiology deals with many important practical
problems in medicine, agriculture and industry
– Some of the most important diseases of humans, animals and plants are caused by
microorganisms
– Microorganisms play major roles in soil fertility, domestic animal production and
recycling of waste
– Many large-scale industrial processes such as production of antibiotics, vitamins and
amino acids are microbial-based
– Microorganisms are at the heart of genetic engineering (biotechnology = genetic
engineering + industrial microbiology)
