Which of the following best describes the primary focus of microbiology as a scientific discipline?

• A. The study of the structure and function of human organs
• B. The study of animal behavior in natural environments
• C. The study of chemical reactions in living organisms
• D. The study of organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key term in the question: 'primary focus of microbiology.' This directs us to understand what microbiology studies.
2. Recall the definition of microbiology: it is the branch of science that deals with microorganisms, which are organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye.
3. Recognize the types of organisms studied in microbiology, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, which are all microscopic.
4. Compare the given options to the definition of microbiology to determine which one aligns best with the study of these microscopic organisms.
5. Conclude that the correct description is the study of organisms too small to be seen with the naked eye, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa.