mikrobes

Mikrobes are microscopic organisms that form the broad category of microorganisms. In many contexts the term includes bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, and protozoa. Viruses are sometimes discussed separately in virology, but are often referenced in broader descriptions of microbial life. Mikrobes vary greatly in size and form, from single-celled prokaryotes about 0.2 to several micrometers across to larger and more complex eukaryotic microbes such as certain algae and fungi. Some microbes exist as simple unicells, while others form colonies, filaments, or biofilms.

These organisms inhabit nearly every environment on Earth, including soil, freshwater, oceans, air, and the bodies of plants and animals. They are central to many ecological processes, such as decomposition, nutrient cycling, and photosynthesis. Microbes also form symbiotic relationships with hosts, aiding digestion or contributing to health, but a subset can cause disease under certain conditions.

Mikrobes are of practical interest in medicine, industry, and environmental management. They are used in fermentation, bioremediation, and the production of enzymes, vitamins, and biofuels. In health research, the study of microbiomes seeks to understand how microbial communities influence digestion, immunity, and metabolism. Methods for studying mikrobes include microscopy, culture-based techniques, and culture-independent approaches such as DNA sequencing and metagenomics, as well as single-cell analyses.

See also microbiology, microbiome, fermentation, biodegradation.