Microbial genomics is the study of microorganisms in which genetic material contains microbes. Analysis of the entire microbial genome provides insight into microbial assessment and the diversity of microbes beyond the phylogeny of proteins or genes. Genetic information in microbes. The genetic material of bacteria and plasmids is DNA. Bacterial viruses (bacteriophages or phages) have DNA or RNA as genetic material. Each human body harbors 10 microorganisms for each human cell, and these microbes help digestion, produce vitamin K, support the development of the immune system, and detoxify harmful chemicals. And, of course, microbes are essential for making many of the foods we enjoy, such as bread, cheese and wine.