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Physiology is the scientific study of the functions and mechanisms that govern life in organisms, including their anatomy, molecular and cellular interactions, and how these elements work together to maintain homeostasis. In the context of microbiology, physiology refers to the examination of the functioning of microorganisms—viruses, bacteria, fungi, protists, and archaea—and how they interact with their environment, other organisms, and ecosystems at large. This can range from investigating the mechanisms that allow pathogenic bacteria to infect a host, to understanding the symbiotic relationships between fungi and plants. As such, physiology is an essential component of microbiological research, providing insights into the fundamental processes that underpin life on Earth, as well as informing applications in medicine, agriculture, and environmental science.