Microbiology
What is the role of microbiology in human welfare? Have there been any changes in the quality of life as a result of the knowledge acquired from the study of microbes? In simple terms, what is the importance of microbiology in life today? This article tries to find answers to these questions.
Harmful Effects
Majority of microbes have been known to be man’s worst enemies. These harmful microbes cause many diseases that do threaten not only the existence of animals and plants on which man depends on, but also his existence. These microbes have taken a heavy toll of human life, loss of domesticated animals, and entire loss of agricultural crops. Before man discovered microbes, he continued to suffer because these diseases were not known. However, discovery of microbes gave man an insight into the causes of these illnesses. Biotechnology one of the branches of microbiology if used improperly, (making atomic bomb) can bring untold misery to human life.
Beneficial Activities
There are many benefits man can derive from the activities of microbes. The study of microbes enables man to improve both quantity and quality of life. Medical Microbiology, Industrial Microbiology, and Biotechnology are some of the branches of microbiology that have helped man to improve the quality of life. New drugs can be produced by genetically engineered microbes a technique known as Recombinant DNA. Through Microbiology, Infectious illnesses have now been conquered by new medicines and new liquors and wines have been produced to raise the spirit of man.
From the discussion above, it is evident that microbes have both good and bad effects on human life. It is now evident; microbiology has increasingly become relevant to human society. The study of history, genetics, metabolism, physiology and structure of microbes will help man prevent, control and cure diseases caused by these microbes. It has become one of the most important branches of life science.
