The Science That Studies Microorganisms - Essay Example

The uniqueness of this virus and its main difference from Staphylococcus epidermis is the following: the cytoplasmic site of virus transmission and extension leads to enzyme encoding, especially those for macromolecular precursor pool regulation or biosynthetic processes (Knipe, 2007). The morphogenesis of this virus is too complex and genomes of this virus encode the majority of proteins that interact with host processes at different levels (e.g. the cellular and systemic levels).

Unlike the Variola virus, Staphylococcus epidermidis is a “gram-positive, coagulase-negative cocci that are a part of our normal flora” (Knipe, 2007). Within a nosocomial environment, this pathogen can spread quickly among other non-infected humans. Nevertheless, unlike the Variola virus, it is transmitted using foreign body infections. Staphylococcus epidermis is a facultative anaerobe and humans and warm-blooded animals are hosts for this infection. It should be also noted that despite the non-pathogenic nature of S. epidermis, those patients who are at risk or have a compromised immune system can be subjected to further infection development. Patients are subjected to this infection acquiring in case they use antibiotics or disinfectants.

The following similarities and differences between the Variola virus and Staphylococcus epidermis can be listed as follows:
Staphylococcus epidermis is bacteria; it is a nonrespiratory airborne; endogenous and is spread among humans; 0.95 DIA microns (Classification of Agents).

Variola virus or Poxvirus is a virus; it is smallpox extinct; contagious; spread among humans; 0.23 DIA microns. Moreover, the Staphylococcus epidermis is a part of human skin flora, while the Variola virus is an acquired disease (Classification of Agents).

Benefits of non-pathogenic microorganisms in the human environment
Non-pathogenic microorganisms grow in the throat or nose of a human. These are not intimidating for human health. Concerning the benefits of non-pathogenic microorganisms in the human environment, it can be claimed that biotechnology uses these organisms to produce metabolites or enzymes (Knipe, 2007). Another beneficial property of non-pathogenic organisms is their disease-protection function. For example, in agriculture, these microorganisms are used as biofertilizers and they are also widespread as probiotics. Another function is the restoration of contaminated sites (in other words, bioremediation) or as a part of fermentation in food processes. Read More