what is microbiology and Which microorganism perform photosynthesis by utilizing light?
The correct answer and explanation is :
What is Microbiology?
Microbiology is the branch of science that deals with the study of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae. These organisms play essential roles in various biological and ecological processes. Microbiology encompasses several subfields, such as medical microbiology, environmental microbiology, industrial microbiology, and agricultural microbiology, which focus on different aspects of microbial life.
Microorganisms are present everywhere—in soil, water, air, and even within living organisms. They contribute to nutrient cycling, fermentation, disease causation, and biotechnology. Scientists in microbiology work to understand the functions and applications of microbes in medicine, industry, and environmental conservation.
Which Microorganism Performs Photosynthesis by Utilizing Light?
Several microorganisms perform photosynthesis using light. The most prominent among them are:
- Cyanobacteria (Blue-green algae)
- Algae (such as diatoms and green algae)
- Purple and Green Sulfur Bacteria
- Halobacteria (Archaea) – These use bacteriorhodopsin instead of chlorophyll.
Among these, cyanobacteria are the most significant because they are oxygenic photosynthetic bacteria, meaning they release oxygen as a byproduct, similar to plants. These bacteria played a crucial role in the Great Oxygenation Event, which helped form Earth’s oxygen-rich atmosphere billions of years ago.
How Do Microorganisms Perform Photosynthesis?
Photosynthetic microorganisms use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen (in oxygenic photosynthesis) or other organic compounds (in anoxygenic photosynthesis). Cyanobacteria use chlorophyll-a, similar to plants, whereas purple and green sulfur bacteria use bacteriochlorophylls and do not produce oxygen.
These microorganisms are vital for ecological balance as they contribute to carbon and oxygen cycles, making them fundamental to Earth’s biosphere.
Here is an image illustrating photosynthetic microorganisms, including cyanobacteria, algae, and purple sulfur bacteria in a natural aquatic environment.