Industrial microbiologists fit into many categories. Medical, veterinary and clinical microbiologists work to maintain the health of people and animals. Microbial ecologists work on land and in water studying how microbes recycle dead plants and animals and how they can be used to maintain environmental quality or correct environmental mishaps. Microbial geneticists and biotechnologists study microbial gene function, improve desirable microbial qualities and increase understanding of cell-regulation processes. Microbial physiologists and biochemists study life processes that employ microbial systems and conduct basic research on microbial growth and development.
Mycologists investigate how fungi produce cheeses, fermented drinks, breads and antibiotics.
They study mycotic disease processes and human resistance to disease.