What is a microbe?

1 Answer
Mar 4, 2018

A microbe or microorganism is a microscopic organism, which may exist in its single celled form or in a colony of cells.

Explanation:

Microbes include all unicellular organisms and so are extremely diverse. All of Archaea and Bacteria are microbes.

They live in almost every habitat from poles to the equator, desert, geysers, rocks, and the deep sea. Some are adapted to extremes such as very hot or very cold conditions, others to high and low pressures.

Microbes are important in human culture and health in many ways, serving to ferment foods, treat sewage, produce enzymes, and other bio-active compounds. They are essential tools as model organisms. They are vital components of fertile soils. They make up the human microbiota including the essential gut flora. They are responsible for many infections, diseases and are the target of hygiene measures.