Prescott’s Principles of Microbiology

Аннотация

he importance of microorganisms cannot be overemphasized. In terms of sheer number and mass—microbes contain an estimated 50% of the biological carbon and 90% of the biological nitrogen on Earth—they greatly exceed every other group of organisms on the planet. Furthermore, they are found everywhere: from geothermal vents in the ocean depths to the coldest Arctic ice. They are major contributors to the functioning of the biosphere, being indispensable for the cycling of the elements essential for life. They also are a source of nutrients at the base of all ecological food webs. Most important, certain microorganisms carry out photosynthesis, rivaling plants in their role of capturing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen into the atmosphere.