General Bacteriology is the branch of microbiology that studies bacteria, their structure, function, classification, and role in health and disease. Bacteria are unicellular, prokaryotic organisms found in various environments, including soil, water, and the human body. They can be beneficial, such as those involved in digestion or fermentation, or harmful as pathogens. Bacteria reproduce mainly by binary fission and can form spores to survive harsh conditions. They are classified based on shape, staining properties (like Gram staining), and metabolic activities. Understanding bacterial cell walls, toxins, and resistance mechanisms is essential in medicine. Laboratory techniques like culture, microscopy, and biochemical tests help identify bacteria. General Bacteriology forms the foundation for medical, environmental, and industrial microbiology.