Which type of microorganisms are commonly utilized in microbial biotechnology?

Microbial biotechnology primarily utilizes fungi and bacteria due to their beneficial roles in various biotechnological processes. Bacteria are extensively used for their ability to multiply quickly, metabolize a wide range of substrates, and produce enzymes and biomolecules that can be harnessed for industrial applications. For example, bacteria like Escherichia coli are model organisms in genetic engineering, where they serve as vectors for cloning and expressing genes.

Fungi, on the other hand, are utilized for their unique metabolic pathways and ability to produce a variety of products, including antibiotics like penicillin, enzymes, and organic acids. Their use in fermentation processes for food production, such as in bread, beer, and cheese, highlights their importance in both industrial and agricultural biotechnology.

The other choices involve organisms that either do not have the same level of utility in biotechnology or are associated with negative impacts. Viruses and parasites, while they can serve specific roles in certain research contexts or applications, are generally not as commonly utilized compared to bacteria and fungi for large-scale biotechnological processes. Pathogenic organisms are typically avoided in biotechnological settings due to risks they pose to human health and safety. Focusing only on fungi excludes the significant contributions and versatility of bacteria in microbial biotechnology.