Scope of Microbiology

Write down the scope of microbiology.

Production of Antibiotics

Antibiotics are compounds that can inhibit the growth or kill microorganisms. There are two main types of antibiotics: bacteriostatic, which inhibit the growth of bacteria, and bactericidal, which kill the bacteria. In 1929, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin from Penicillium notatum, which became the first antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. The scope of microbiology includes the study of antibiotics and how they work against microorganisms, as well as the discovery and development of new antibiotics to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

 Examples of some bacteria and fungi which produce antibiotics are given below:

Name of Bacterium	Name of Antibiotic
Streptomyces aureofaciens	Aureomycin (Tetracycline)
Streptomyces venezuelae	Chloramphenicol
Streptomyces rimous	Oxytetracycline
Streptomyces erythraeus	Erythromycin
Streptomyces fradiae	Neomycin
Streptomyces kanamyceteus	Streptomycin
Bacillus subtilis	Bactriacin

Name of fungi	Name of Antibiotic
Pencillium notatum	Penicillin
Penicillion chrysogenum	Penicillin
Claviceps purpurea	Ergot
Penicillium griseofuloum	Griseofulvum

 In alcohol & vinegar industry

Yeast is a microorganism used in the fermentation of carbohydrates to produce alcohol. One glucose molecule is converted into two ethanol molecules and two carbon dioxide molecules. Clostridium acetobutylicum participates in the production of butyl alcohol. Bacterial actions are involved in the production of vinegar (acetic acid). In the first step, carbohydrates undergo fermentation and are converted into ethanol through the action of yeast. In the second step, aerobic bacteria such as Acetobacter aceti and Mycoderma aceti oxidize the alcohol into acetic acid. The scope of microbiology includes the study of various microorganisms, such as yeast and bacteria, that have important applications in the production of alcoholic beverages, biofuels, and other products through fermentation.

Vitamin Production

 There are various types of vitamins obtained from the microorganisms e.g., Riboflavins(B₂) is obtained from Clostridium butylicum

 Cobalamins (B12) obtained from Pseudomonas denitrificans.

Vitamins A,C,D and E are mostly found in algae.

Fungi (yeast) have high content of Vit B₁ Vit B₁2 and Vit C.

Productions of Acids and enzymes

 List of microorganisms helping in production of acids and enzymes are:

Microorganism	Acids
Penicillium glaucum	Gallic acid
Aspergillus gallomyces	Gallic acid
Mucor	Citric acid
Aspergillus niger	Gluconic Acid

Microorganism	Enzymes
Aspergillus oryzae	Amylase
Bacillus subtilis	Protease
Saccharomyces cerevisiae	Invertase
Streptococcus pyrogens	Streptokinase

Baking Industry

Yeast is a microorganism used in the production of bread. Kneaded flour is mixed with yeast and allowed to ferment. Yeast converts starch into sugars and sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide with the help of the enzyme zymase. As carbon dioxide is released during fermentation, the bread becomes porous and lightweight, with a spongy texture. The scope of microbiology includes the study of various microorganisms, such as yeast, that have important applications in the food industry, particularly in the production of fermented foods like bread.

 Cosmetics and Perfume

Certain lichen species, such as Evernia and Ramatina, are used to make perfumes and soaps. Carrageenan, a mucilaginous substance, is secreted from seaweed and used in the production of ice cream, paint, shampoo, and other products. The scope of microbiology includes the study of various organisms, such as lichens and seaweed, that have important applications in the cosmetics, food, and pharmaceutical industries.

 Used in the production of dairy products

 Dairy products such as curd, butter, cheese and ghee are manufactured from bacterial activity. List of microorganisms used in diary industry are:

Lactobacillus lactis	Cheese
Lactobacillus vulgaricus	Yoghurt
Streptococcus lactis	Curd
Streptococcus lactis	Butter
Streptococcus lactis & Streptococcus cremoris	Butter milk

Agriculture & Soil fertility

Nitrogen is essential for the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, and other nitrogen-containing compounds. Plants take up nitrogen in the form of nitrates. Nitrogen fixation is done by many organisms, including algae (Anabina, Nostoc), bacteria (Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter), and root nodules of leguminous plants (Rhizobium leguminosarum). Saprophytic fungi disintegrate decaying organic matter, releasing minerals that can be absorbed by plants. The scope of microbiology includes the study of various organisms, such as algae, bacteria, and fungi, that play essential roles in nitrogen fixation, nutrient cycling, and plant growth.

Used as food

Algae like Gelidium and Gracilaria produce agar-agar, a jelly substance used in the manufacture of ice cream. Some seaweeds, such as Laminaria, contain a lot of iodine, which is an essential mineral for the thyroid gland. Saragassum and Macrocystis are used as food for marine and domestic animals. Reindeer moss (Cladonia rangiferina) in the arctic region is eaten by reindeer and cattle, and Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica) has been used as food by humans in Iceland. The scope of microbiology includes the study of various organisms, including algae and lichens, which have important applications in various fields, such as food production and medicine.

Scope of microbiology is very broad.

FAQs

What is the scope of MSC microbiology?
Ans- The scope of an MSC in Microbiology includes various career paths such as research and development, quality control and assurance, teaching, and healthcare.

What is the scope of microbiology in India?
Ans- Microbiology has a broad scope in India with career opportunities in various sectors such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage industry, and research and development.

What is the scope of microbiology in Canada?
Ans- Microbiology has a wide scope in Canada with various opportunities in research and development, healthcare, biotechnology, environmental microbiology, and food safety.