Microbiologists study living organisms to learn more about their composition, how they function and the way they behave. In their investigations of living organisms, they use standard techniques and equipment such as aseptic techniques and microscopes.
One of the challenges facing microbiologists is the small size of the organisms they study. Some organisms are too small to be seen by the human eye.
Scientists overcome the problem of small size by using microscopes to study these organisms. Microscopes are also used to study the cells and tissues that make up larger living organisms.
Microorganisms can be found everywhere - eg on our hands, on the laboratory bench, and in hospitals. Some microorganisms can be beneficial to society - for example, those that are used in the production of bread, beer, wine, yoghurt and medicines such as antibiotics.
Other microorganisms are harmful to us, or to the plants and animals that are important to us. Microorganisms therefore need to be handled very carefully and scientists need to avoid handling them directly, as they can be dangerous. If scientists need to isolate a single microorganism, they need to make sure that contamination by other microorganisms does not occur. By using aseptic techniques, microbiologists can ensure that both of these needs are fulfilled.
