The Bacterial Cell Bacteria are prokaryotic (lack a nucleus)

Shape of Bacteria  Round – cocci  Example – strep – throat (Streptococcus pyogenes)

Shape of Bacteria  Rod-shaped - bacilli  Example – E. coli (Escherichia coli) Usually found in the intestines

Shape of Bacteria  Spiral shaped – spirilla Example – Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi)

Movement of Bacteria Flagella – a long whip-like structure that helps the cell move by spinning in place like a propeller.

 A bacterial cell can have many flagella, one or none.  If a bacterial cell does not have a flagella, they depend on air, water or clothing to carry them around.

Reproduction  Bacteria split to reproduce. Some can split every 20 minutes.  video video

Obtaining Food  Autotrophs – make their own food.

Obtaining Food  Heterotrophs – obtain food by eating autotrophs or other heterotrophs.

Types of Bacteria  Helpful Bacteria Food: cheese, sauerkraut, pickles, sour cream and yogurt

Helpful bacteria  Nature’s clean-up crew - Bacteria, along with fungus and some insects are decomposers that help break down dead matter.  Click here for a video of decomposing matter. (get ready – this is a little intense!) here

Harmful Bacteria  Illness and Health –Strep throat and food poisoning

Antibiotic  A chemical that can kill bacteria.