Bacteriology

Abstract

Bacteriology is the study of bacteria, small cells that live an independent existence and play important roles in the biosphere. Structurally, bacteria are prokaryotic cells and comprise two major phylogenetic lineages, Bacteria and Archaea. The science of bacteriology developed from investigations of the nature of infectious disease, and medical bacteriology remains a major area of emphasis in microbiology today. Bacteriology also played a major role in the development of molecular biology and genetics, and bacteria have traditionally been used as experimental tools for addressing seminal questions in basic biological research. More recently, bacteria have been harnessed to produce valuable commercial products and clean up the environment. Unlike higher organisms, bacteria are absolutely essential for maintaining the biosphere and are the foundation upon which all higher life on Earth is supported.

Key Concepts:

• The science of bacteriology deals with Earth's tiniest living cells, the Bacteria and Archaea, collectively called prokaryotes.

• Using key genes shared by all cells, bacteriological studies have revealed the evolutionary relationships of all life on Earth.

• Bacteriology encompasses many subdisciplines including in particular the study of infectious diseases.

• Bacteriology spawned the field of molecular biology and gave birth to the genomics revolution in biology.

• Industrial microbiology and biotechnology employ bacteria to make products of commercial value.