Mikrob

Mikrob is a term used in several languages to refer to microscopic organisms, collectively known as microbes. In everyday and scientific usage, the word can denote any tiny life form that is typically invisible to the unaided eye, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa, and certain viruses. In some contexts the inclusion of viruses depends on the definitional scope of "microbe".

Etymology and usage: The word derives from micro- meaning small and -b, a form used in many European languages. In Turkish, mikrob specifically means microbe. Similar terms exist in other languages with overlapping meanings, leading to variation in precision.

Biology: Microbes range from single-celled organisms to acellular infectious agents. Bacteria and archaea are prokaryotes; fungi, protozoa, and certain algae are eukaryotic microorganisms. Viruses are non-cellular particles that replicate inside host cells.

Roles and applications: Microbes drive nutrient cycles, fermentation, and soil health; they influence human health through microbiota and can cause disease. They are used in biotechnology, medicine, and environmental cleanup.

Study and methods: Microbial life is studied through microscopy, culture techniques, molecular biology (PCR, sequencing), and metagenomics. Sampling, cultivation biases, and contamination are important considerations.

Safety and regulation: Handling unknown microbes is governed by biosafety guidelines and risk assessments. Public health surveillance and vaccination have reduced many microbe-related diseases in developed regions, while new pathogens continue to emerge.