microbial strains

Microbial strains are distinct types of microorganisms, like bacteria or fungi, that share a common species but have small genetic differences. Think of them as members of the same family with unique characteristics, such as different abilities to produce certain compounds or resist medicines. These variations can affect how they behave, grow, and interact with their environment. Identifying specific strains is important in areas like medicine, agriculture, and industry, where certain strains are used for producing vaccines, enzymes, or even fermented foods. Essentially, strains are specialized versions within a microbial species that exhibit unique traits.