Bacteria - Definition, Structure, Diagram, Classification
Bacteria - Definition, Structure, Diagram, Classification
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Bacteria
One of the very first organisms to evolve on earth was probably a unicellular organism, similar to modern bacteria. Ever since then, life has evolved into a multitude of life
forms over many millennia. However, we can still trace our ancestry back to this single-celled organism.
Table of Contents
Definition
Diagram
Structure
Classification
Reproduction
Useful Bacteria
Harmful Bacteria
Today, bacteria are considered as one of the oldest forms of life on earth. Even though most bacteria make us ill, they have a long-term, mutual relationship with humans
and are very much important for our survival. But before we elaborate on its uses, let us know the structure of bacteria, its classification, and the bacteria diagram in
detail.
Bacteria Definition
“Bacteria are unicellular organisms belonging to the prokaryotic group where the organisms lack a few organelles and a true
nucleus”.
Bacteria Diagram
The bacteria diagram given below represents the structure of bacteria with its different parts. The cell wall, plasmid, cytoplasm and flagella are clearly marked in the
diagram.
Structure of Bacteria
The structure of bacteria is known for its simple body design. Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms with the absence of the nucleus and other c
(https://byjus.com/biology/cell-organelles/)ellell (https://byjus.com/biology/cell-organelles/) organelles (https://byjus.com/biology/cell-
organelles/);; hence, they are classified as prokaryotic organisms. Hi there! Got any questions?
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1. Thermophiles
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2. Acidophiles
3. Alkaliphiles
4. Osmophiles
5. Barophiles
6. Cryophiles
Another fascinating feature of bacteria is their protective cell (https://byjus.com/biology/cell-wall/)wall (https://byjus.com/biology/cell-wall/), which is made up of a
special protein called peptidoglycan. This particular protein isn’t found anywhere else in nature except in the cell walls of bacteria.
But few of them are devoid of this cell wall, and others have a third protection layer called capsule. On the outer layer, one or more flagella or pili is attached, and it
functions as a locomotory organ. Pili can also help certain bacteria to attach themselves to the host’s cells. They do not contain any cell organelle as in animal or plant
cell except for ribosomes.
Ribosomes are the sites of protein synthesis. In addition to this DNA, they have an extra circular DNA called plasmid. These plasmids make some strains of bacteria
resistant to antibiotics.
Classification of Bacteria
Bacteria can be classified into various categories based on their features and characteristics. The classification of bacteria is mainly based on the following:
Shape
Composition of the cell wall
Mode of respiration
Mode of nutrition
Reproduction in Bacteria
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Bacteria follow an asexual mode of reproduction (https://byjus.com/biology/reproduction-modes/), called binary fission. A single bacterium divides into two daughter
cells. These are identical to the parent cell as well as to each other. Replication of DNA within parent bacterium marks the beginning of the fission. Eventually, cell
elongates to form two daughter cells.
The rate and timing of reproduction depend upon the conditions like temperature and availability of nutrients. When there is a favourable condition, E.coli or Escherichia
coli produces about 2 million bacteria every 7 hours.
Bacterial reproduction is strictly asexual, but it can undergo sexual reproduction in very rare cases.
Useful Bacteria
Not all bacteria are harmful to humans. There are some bacteria which are beneficial in different ways. Listed below are few benefits of bacteria:
Harmful Bacteria
There are bacteria that can cause a multitude of illnesses. They are responsible for many of the i (https://byjus.com/biology/infectious-diseases/)nfectious
(https://byjus.com/biology/infectious-diseases/) diseases (https://byjus.com/biology/infectious-diseases/) like pneumonia, tuberculosis, diphtheria, syphilis, tooth
decay. Their effects can be rectified by taking antibiotics and prescribed medication.
However, precaution is much more effective. Most of these disease-causing bacteria can be eliminated by sterilizing or disinfecting exposed surfaces, instruments, tools
and other utilities. These methods include- application of heat, disinfectants, UV radiations, pasteurization, boiling, etc.
To know more about bacteria, its definition, the structure of bacteria, bacteria diagram, classification of bacteria, and reproduction in bacteria keep visiting BYJU’S
website or download BYJU’S app for further reference.
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Bacteria can be classified based on shape, mode of nutrition, respiration, the composition of the cell wall, etc. Based on these criteria, bacteria can be
classified as bacillus, coccus or vibrio, etc., autotrophic or heterotrophic, aerobic or anaerobic, Gram + or Gram -. Read the above topicHifor detailed
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