Bacteria in Nature

Anthrax- What type of bacteria? Gram positive or negative?

Describe the bacteria & Gram stain

Give the most specific name to this bacteria

What type of bacteria?

Releasing Energy a. Bacteria need a constant supply of energy b. Three ways to do so: obligate aerobes- organisms that require a constant supply of oxygen to live obligate anaerobes- do not require oxygen to live must live in total absence of oxygen Ex. Clostridium botulinum- lives in soil Facultative anaerobes- do not require oxygen, but are not poisoned by it- can grow anywhere

Growth and Reproduction of Prokaryotes Binary Fission - type of asexual reproduction that does NOT exchange genetic information

Conjugation transfers information by forming a hollow bridge between two cells and genes move from one cell to another

Growth Spores may form under favorable conditions endospores- type of spore formed when a bacterium produces a thick internal wall enclosing DNA & cytoplasm allows cell to remain dormant able to survive harsh environmental conditions

Ecological Roles of Bacteria Decomposers- help the ecosystem recycle nutrients break down dead matter into simple substances to be released into the soil Nitrogen Fixers- converts nitrogen into a form that plants can use

Bacteria and Disease only few bacteria are pathogenic- disease- causing pathogens cause disease in one of two ways: damage the of the infected organism by breaking them down for food Ex. Tuberculosis- lung tissue is broken down others release toxins (organic poisons) that harm the body Ex. Streptococcus pyogenes—causes strep throat

Antibiotics compounds that block the growth and reproduction of bacteria used to cure many BACTERIAL diseases Ex. amoxicillin, ampicillin, penicillin

Human Uses of Bacteria Used to produce foods such as cheese, yogurt, buttermilk, and sour cream, pickles, and sauerkraut Used in industry: To clear oil spills- type of bacteria digests petroleum To remove waste products and poisons from water Can help mine minerals from the ground Used in genetic engineering to synthesize drugs and chemicals

Controlling Bacteria ways to destroy or stop bacterial growth Sterilization- destroys by extreme heat or chemicals Disinfectants- used in homes, hospitals, etc. Refrigeration, freezing, canning, boiling, frying, steaming are methods to control bacteria growth in or on foods Chemical treatments include adding salt, vinegar, or sugar used in salted meats, pickles, and jam