Resumo

MANZI, LV  e  MAYZ, JC. evaluating microorganisms. Rev. Soc. Ven. Microbiol. [online]. 2003, vol.23, n.1, pp.85-88. ISSN 1315-2556.

    In this article, a brief description is made of microorganisms belonging to the domains of Archaea, Bacteria and Eucarya, providers of secondary bioactive metabolites with pharmacological and agricultural applications. Furthermore, specifications are given on the effects of some compounds on humans, animals and plants, and, in some cases, their action mechanism is described. In general, the discussion is about the potential of microorganisms as providers of beneficial compounds, particularly about those that inhabit extreme and marine environments. Finally, reference is made on cases of microorganisms biopiracy carried out by large biotechnological firms as an alert to scientists.

Palavras-chave : Microorganismos; metabolitos secundarios; compuestos bioactivos; biopiratería.