Human genome project:

•  Microbial genetic techniques have made possible a colossal scientific undertaking HGP. Begun in 1990 and supposed to complete by 2005 was completed in May 2000.

•   Humans have just over 30,000 genes instead of estimates that ranged up to 142,000 genes. 3 billion base pairs in the human genome do not all code for useful genes (75% of them code for ‘junk DNA')

•   Over 100 microbial genomes have been sequenced so far.

•   Approx. 113 genes have come to human genome directly from bacteria.

•    Venter has sequenced mouse genome and reports that humans have only 300 genes not found in the mouse.

 

Scope of microbiology

The microbiology has influence on genetics, agriculture, food science, ecology, immunology and various fields.

Genetics: Mainly involves engineered microbes to make hormones, vaccine, antibiotics and many other useful products for human being.

Agriculture: The influence of microbes on agriculture; the prevention of the diseases that mainly damage the useful crops.

Food science: It involves the prevention of spoilage of food and food borne diseases and the uses of microbes to produce cheese, yoghurt, pickles and beer.

Immunology: The study of immune system which protect the body from pathogens.

Medicine: deals with the identification of plans and measures to cure diseases of human and animals which are infectious to them.

Industry: it involves use of microbes to produce antibiotics, steroids, alcohol, vitamins and amino acids etc.

 

REFERENCES:

Text Books:

1. Jeffery C. Pommerville. Alcamo's Fundamentals of Microbiology (Tenth Edition). Jones and Bartlett Student edition.

2. Gerard J. Tortora, Berdell R. Funke, Christine L. Case. Pearson - Microbiology: An Introduction. Benjamin Cummings.

 

Reference Books:

1. Lansing M. Prescott, John P. Harley and Donald A. Klein. Microbiology. Mc Graw Hill companies.