Bacteria Characteristics 2/27/19

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Bacteria

Characteristics of Bacteria Bacteria are prokaryotic cells PRO means NO nucleus Bacteria are living particles

Bacterial Shapes Bacteria can be found in 3 different shapes Cocci – kinda like Cocca Puffs Spirilla – spiral or worm looking Bacilli – pill shaped -------

Bacterial Structure Bacteria adheres to a surface by using the cilia (hair like structures) on its surface. Adhere – to stick to a surface

Bacteria Reproduction Bacteria reproduces through a process called binary fission Binary fission is when a bacteria divides itself in half asexually, creating a clone of itself

Bacterial Reproduction Bacteria can also reproduce through a process called conjugation Bacterial conjugation is the transfer of genetic material between bacterial cells by direct cell-to-cell contact or by a bridge-like connection between two cells.

How Bacteria Obtain Energy Photosynthesizers—obtain energy from sunlight, CO2 and H2O Also known as autotrophs Chemoautotrophs—obtain energy by removing electrons from inorganic and organic molecules such as NH3, H2S, CH4 Heterotrophs—obtain energy by absorption or infection of other organisms

Pathogenic Bacteria Pathogens—virus, bacteria, or other microorganism that causes disease Heterotrophic pathogens metabolize the nutrients in their host organisms; this causes you to become ill Bacterial pathogens secrete toxins that are harmful to eukaryotic cells (ex. Food poisoning from Salmonella and Botulism)

Pathogenic Bacteria--Examples

Antibiotic Resistance Antibiotics are used to destroy bacteria, not viruses Mutations occur in bacteria spontaneously Some mutations result in resistance to antibiotics Misuse of antibiotics can lead to resistance Overusing not taking full course of treatment

Are all bacteria bad?

Examples of good bacteria Processing foods—yogurt, pickles, cheese, sourdough bread, buttermilk, etc. Producing chemicals—BOTOX, etc. Medicines—producing insulin with E. coli Mining—production of pure grade ores Bioremediation—cleaning up oil spills Decomposers of dead organisms in the environment Bacteria found in your intestines that aid in digestion