What is the study of small living organisms called?

• A. Microbiology
• B. Bacteriology
• C. Cocci
• D. Pathogenic bacteria

Answer: (A)

Microbiology is the study of small living organisms, known as microorganisms. This field covers everything from bacteria and viruses to fungi, algae, and protozoa, looking at their structure, life processes, growth, genetics, and how they affect health, environment, and industry. The broader term is used because it includes all microorganisms, not just one type.

Bacteriology, by contrast, focuses specifically on bacteria, so it’s narrower. Cocci describes a shape of certain bacteria (spherical), not a field of study. Pathogenic bacteria refers to disease-causing bacteria, which is about a type of microorganism, not the study of microorganisms as a whole.