Branches of microbiology
The branches of microbiology can be classified into pure and applied sciences. Microbiology can be also classified based on taxonomy, in the cases of bacteriology, mycology, protozoology, and phycology. There is considerable overlap between the specific branches of microbiology with each other and with other disciplines, and certain aspects of these branches can extend beyond the traditional scope of microbiology
In general the field of microbiology can be divided in the more fundamental branch (pure microbiology) and the applied microbiology (biotechnology). In the more fundamental field the organisms are studied as the subject itself on a deeper (theoretical) level.
Applied microbiology refers to the fields where the micro-organisms are applied in certain processes such as brewing or fermentation. The organisms itself are often not studied as such, but applied to sustain certain processes.
Flora (microbiology)
Bacterial flora is a community of bacteria that exists on or in the body, and possesses a unique ecological relationship with the host. Bacterial flora encompasses a wide variety microorganisms, and the interactions between microbes and host creates a mutualistic relationship that both entities benefit from. Humans, for example, provide a diversified ecosystem for a large variety of microbes. An average human adds 37 million bacteria to the air an hour in a given space. The mutualistic relationship has a significant impact on the host, and is thought to influence human traits such as obesity. In 2008, the National Institutes of Health started the Human Microbiome Project designed to help understand the health implications of human bacterial flora. Biologists believe that bacterial flora may play some role in disorders such as multiple sclerosis. Additionally, the study of flora can have industrial benefits such as dietary supplements like probiotics. The living microorganisms in probiotics are believed to have positive effects on health, and have been utilized in studies regarding gastrointestinal diseases and allergies.