Microbiology

Microbiology

Introduction

A study in of microscopic organisms that are known as living creatures, which are composed of a cell cluster, a single cell or no cell, is commonly known as Microbiology. Eukaryotes are also microscopic organisms like prokaryotes, protists and fungi. Although, prions and viruses are not strictly classified as living organisms but still these organisms are also studies in microbiology. Immunology and Microbiology are the two disciplines that often intersect with each other therefore these two disciplines are studied together for getting proper research analysis. There are various advantages of microorganisms beside numerous disadvantages. These organisms can spoil food, excel diseases in humans as well as in animals and can damage crops (Black, 2008).

Discussion

Chemical antimicrobial agents

Heavy metals

There are number of heavy metals that have anti-microbial ability such as silver, copper and zinc etc. Silver nitrate can be used to prevent the newborns against eye infections and it is also used to cauterize the wounds. Copper sulphate is used to slow down the progression of algae in fish tanks, reservoirs and swimming pools. Lastly, zinc chloride is used in mouthwashes that fight against cavities.

Phenols

Phenols were the first chemical that was used as a disinfectant and antiseptic in 1867 by Joseph Lister to reduce the risk of infection in medical procedures. Until now the phenols and their derivatives such as cresol and xylenol are used as disinfectants in laboratories and hospitals. These are helpful in eliminating mycobacteria and are effective even in the presence of organic matter. The phenols damage the cell membranes and other inactivates enzymes of micro-organisms.

Alcohols

Alcohols have no effect on bacterial endospores and fungal spores. They are fungicidal, virucidal and bacteriocidal for enveloped viruses. These are useful chemical agents as they prevent us from fungi and bacteria but they cannot save us from bacterial spores. Ethyl alcohol ...