20 curiosities (and interesting facts) of Microbiology

The fascinating branch of biology responsible for the study and investigation of microscopic living things is called microbiology. These tiny life forms are known as microorganisms, and it is surprising how much they influence our lives despite being imperceptible to the naked eye.. The vast majority of microorganisms are unicellular and are characterized by the existence of numerous varieties in terms of shape and size.

Although the human eye is not able to see them, they are everywhere. Everywhere you look there are microorganisms as they manage to survive in all kinds of adversities, due to their great ability to adapt even to very extreme environmental conditions. When we talk about microorganisms, we refer to viruses, bacteria, fungi, archaea, protists, algae, etc. It may be that when we hear these names, we directly relate it to dirt, and all kinds of diseases.

However, although it is true that some of them are pathogenic, there are many others that are beneficial and even necessary for us and our environment. If you have been left with the intrigue of knowing more about these beings that can only be seen through a microscope, you are in the right place.

• We recommend you read: "Theory of biogenesis: explaining the appearance of life"

Fun facts about microorganisms

Next, we will enter the wonderful world of microbiology and present 20 curiosities and facts about microorganisms.

1. There are more microorganisms in the human body than human cells.

You are the host of trillions of bacteria that live inside you in an organized and constantly active way. Experts estimate that for every human cell, there are up to ten times as many microbial cells. In fact, such is the magnitude, that if we were to take all these bacteria and put them on a scale, it would weigh between 2-3 kilos.

2. There are more bacteria in your mouth than humans on Earth

In the mouth of any of us, there are more bacteria than people in the world. More than 600 types of microorganism species are found in the mouth. In short, it is known that for every drop of saliva, there are more than 100 million bacteria. If we calculate, it exceeds the number of inhabitants on Earth.

3. The milky way falls short compared to your body

The microorganisms that reside inside you add up to a total of 40 million million. According to experts, the milky way has between 150-250 billion stars. So, once again, the bacteria win.

4. In the kitchen, microorganisms are good

Human beings have been using the benefits of microorganisms in gastronomy for many years. Cheese and yogurt are some clear examples, since thanks to bacteria, the texture and flavor that we all like so much is achieved.

5. Where does the smell of rain come from?

The typical smell of rain that is breathed has a lot to do with microorganisms. Bacteria are odorless, but in the case of rain, a microbial species called actinobacteria comes into play. Actinobacteria release tiny spores when the temperature rises slightly. Then, when the raindrops hit the ground, these spores shoot off to spread into the air, producing this characteristic rainy smell.

6. Only 500 microorganisms are harmful to us

The poor microorganisms have gotten all the bad fame for a long time. Bacteria have always been associated with diseases and the truth is that for all the microorganisms that exist, only 500 are pathogenic for humans. And this does not stop here. Of those 500, only 50 actually make us sick.

7. Really, how many microorganisms are there on Earth?

Not many, very many. To give you an idea, let's imagine the following: if we could place all the bacteria that exist in the world in a straight line, like forming a single file, it would be so long, that it would extend for 10 million light years.

8. They were the first forms of life that arose

It is estimated that microorganisms have been on Earth for almost 4 billion years. If this fact alone is fascinating, it must be taken into account that the first mammals inhabited the Earth 220 million years ago, plants 530 million years ago, and of course, humans only 250,000 years ago. years.

9. Morning breath has its explanation in microorganisms

Let's talk about morning breath and how unpleasant it can be. This is because throughout the night, volatile compounds are produced by the many bacteria that inhabit our mouth.. To alleviate this smell, it is best to rinse your mouth when you get up.

10. They are small, but how much?

Until now it has been clear that microorganisms are tiny beings that can only be seen through a microscope. But really, how small are they? Its size is estimated to be around 0.5-5 micrometers. For a better understanding, get used to the idea that up to a thousand bacteria placed in a row can fit in one millimeter.

11. Not even Mars can with them

Experts are beginning to say that there are bacteria that could survive on Mars. Due to their great adaptability, neither the lack of oxygen, low temperatures, or high radiation can affect or interfere with these microorganisms..

12. Quorum Sensing, what is it?

Bacteria have a unique form of communication that they have developed over the years: Quorum Sensing. When microorganisms are forming a population, they produce specific molecules that act like homing pigeons. With Quorum Sensing, they manage to transmit to each other information about the environment in which they are or the structures or populations that they must form.

13. The greatest pandemics of humanity have been because of him

Focusing on pathogenic microorganisms, it should be noted that these have been responsible for most of the pandemics over time, causing the death of many people. Some examples are AIDS, the Black Death, the Spanish Flu, among many others..

14. The deadliest bacteria

You may wonder what is the most lethal bacterium in the world, the one capable of killing many people. The answer is: Burkholderia mallei. How does it get to humans? We get infected with this bacterium through horses, causing a disease called glanders. Its lethality is around 95% if medication is not taken, but even if treatment is started, more than half also die. The number is alarming.

15. Do not underestimate them, because without them, you could not live

The bacteria of our microorganism are essential for our survival. We establish a symbiotic relationship with them, where we provide them with a place to reproduce, grow and live and they help us in different necessary functions. for us as: adequate absorption of nutrients, fight pathogens, keep the skin in good condition, produce vitamins, neurotransmitters, help with digestion, etc.

16. Microorganisms can interfere with your mental health

How microorganisms affect our mental health is a booming topic in the world of psychology. It is known that the bacteria that inhabit our intestines are capable of producing neurotransmitters and altering brain chemistry, which Consequently, it is closely related to the appearance of depressive and anxious symptoms, and other disorders neuropsychiatric.

17. You have a unique microbiome that sets you apart

Since we are born, little by little we are creating a bacterial footprint that differentiates us from the rest. Because of our habits, lifestyle and diet, we create a particular microbiome, where the species of the same, have been adapting to the different situations to which we have exposed. Therefore, as with fingerprints, there is no other human being with the same bacterial fingerprint as you..

18. The smell of perspiration also has its reason in microorganisms

Bacteria live all over your body, and your armpit skin is not far behind. During sweating, microorganisms feed with great intensity on the skin of the aforementioned part of your body and this peculiar activity causes the particular smell of sweat.

19. One more reason to have a dog

Dogs sniff, lick and touch all kinds of substances whose sanitary levels are, to say the least, questionable. For this reason, when they return to our house, through their snout, mouth, legs and hair, they are introducing enormous amounts of bacteria into the home. But let this not alarm us, since apart from strengthening our immune system, they can also bring beneficial bacteria to our body.. In other words, dogs increase the diversity of beneficial bacteria in our homes.

20. bioluminescent microorganisms

Have you ever seen a marine species that produces light and wondered why? Responsible for this is the bacterium known as Vibrio fischeri. Through different biochemical reactions, it is capable of generating light and curiously, those marine species we were talking about host this bacterium inside.