Who Are the Keepers of Microbial Biodiversity?

Abstract

The world is full of an amazing microbial abundance and diversity. Microorganisms are part of all ecosystems and contribute to the activities of nature. Human beings have been studying and harnessing microbial properties for centuries and, nowadays, microorganisms are applied in numerous industrial, agricultural, environmental, and biotechnological processes. But where are the microorganisms used in scientific research or biotechnological processes kept? This article will explain what microbial culture collections are, their importance for the scientific community and society, what they are used for, and their contribution to studies of microbial biodiversity and how to preserve it.