Microorganism

Japanese: 微生物

Illustration of Microorganism

A general term for organisms invisible to the naked eye. Includes bacteria, fungi (molds and yeast), archaea, and some protists.

Microorganisms is the collective term for living things too small to see with the naked eye. Bacteria, yeast, molds, archaea—a diverse cast of members falls under this category.

They inhabit nearly every place on Earth: in soil, on the ocean floor, inside the human gut, and within miso barrels. Invisible, yet undeniably there.

Fermentation is, in essence, the metabolic activity of microorganisms. What they eat, break down, and produce is what enriches our tables. This knowledge enriches the daily table.

Related words

Fungi

A group of eukaryotic organisms including molds, yeasts, and mushrooms. They have chitin in their cell walls, do not photosynthesize, and are heterotrophs that obtain nutrition by decomposing organic matter.

Archaea

A group of prokaryotes phylogenetically distinct from bacteria. Many are known for inhabiting extreme environments, but they are also widely distributed in oceans, soil, and the gut.

Bacteria

Single-celled microorganisms without a nuclear membrane (prokaryotes). Many fermentation-related organisms including lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria, and natto bacteria are classified as bacteria.

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