Which of the following best describes the primary focus of microbiology?

• A. The study of animal behavior in natural environments
• B. The study of chemical reactions in living organisms
• C. The study of organisms too small to be seen without a microscope
• D. The study of the structure and function of human organs

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the scope of microbiology by breaking down the term itself: 'micro' means small, and 'biology' means the study of life. So, microbiology focuses on studying very small living organisms.
2. Step 2: Recognize that microbiology primarily deals with organisms that are not visible to the naked eye, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, which require a microscope to be observed.
3. Step 3: Compare the given options to the definition of microbiology: the study of animal behavior, chemical reactions in organisms, and human organ structure do not specifically focus on microscopic organisms.
4. Step 4: Identify that the option stating 'The study of organisms too small to be seen without a microscope' aligns perfectly with the core focus of microbiology.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description of microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, distinguishing it from other biological or chemical studies.