GENERAL MICROBIOLOGY - T.P. Pyrog - 2004

1. EMERGENCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF MICROBIOLOGY

Microbiology is the science of microorganisms. Their representatives include certain Protozoa, unicellular Algae, microscopic Fungi, Bacteria, and Viruses. A common characteristic of microorganisms is their small size, typically around 0.001-0.1 mm. Most microorganisms are invisible to the naked eye, measuring mere micrometers or even nanometers. Microscopes are used to study microorganisms. Optical microscopes provide magnifications of up to 3,000 times, while electron microscopes can achieve magnifications of tens or even hundreds of thousands of times.

Microorganisms are widespread in nature. They are found in soil, Water, air, On the surface of plants and animals, in the intestines of humans and animals, and on all surrounding objects. Microorganisms constitute a significant portion of the planet's living matter. For instance, 1 ml of polluted water contains several hundred million microbes, and 1 g of cultivated soil contains several billion. However, for centuries, humanity remained entirely unaware of the existence of microorganisms.