Taxonomy, Role, and Significance of Microorganisms in Foods

Because human food sources are of plant and animal origin, it is important to understand the biological principles of the microbial biota associated with plants and animals in their natural habitats and respective roles. Although it sometimes appears that microorganisms are trying to ruin our food sources by infecting and destroying plants and animals, including humans, this is by no means their primary role in nature. In our present viewof life on this planet, the primary function of microorganisms in nature is self-perpetuation.