1. Introduction to Bacteria

2. Ubiquity of Bacteria
Ubiquity [yoo-bik-wi-tee] : the state or capacity of being everywhere
The ubiquity of bacteria refers to the concept that microorganisms are EVERYWHERE
Bacteria are the most widely distributed organisms in the biosphere.
Soil, water, air
Normal flora: microorganisms that live on and in our body that do not cause harm
Only place where bacteria is not found are in areas that are purposely made sterile
Body fluids
Clean rooms
Sterilized/autoclaved equipment

3. What makes an organism a bacteria?
Bacteria are primarily defined by their cellular structure and size
Lacks a defined nucleus that is surrounded by a nuclear membrane
Lack complex organelles (i.e. mitochondria)
Cell wall contains peptidoglycan
Approx 0.2μm in diameter ( comparison RBC = 6-8 μm)

4. Handling Bacterial Cultures
Aseptic technique: keeps unwanted microorganisms out (reduces contamination)
Disinfecting work area
All tools used to handle bacteria need to be sterile
Loops/Needles: flamed in the incinerator to sterilize
Tubes, plates, and any other tools: autoclaved to kill any existing bacteria
Keep all cultures covered until ready for use
Be aware of your area-if you are unsure if your tools have been compromised then start over

5. Characterizing Microorganisms
I’m Lonely!!
Binary Fission
Colony

6. Characterizing Microorganisms
Colony morphology
Form: surface view
Elevation: height
Margin: edge
Color
Smell
Cell morphology
Size
Shape
Gram stain reaction

7. Be sure you can tell the morphology of each organism
Look over Slides #4-11
Be sure you can tell the morphology of each organism
Bacillus/rod, cocci, spirochete
Know the correct spelling and nomenclature of each microorganism
There are pictures of the slides on the website

8. Shapes of Bacteria Bacillus (bacilli)
generic term to describe the morphology of any rod-shaped bacterium.
short bacilli
Pseudomonas
long bacilli
Bacillus
Bacillus with endospores

9. Shapes of Bacteria Coccus (cocci)
any bacterium that has a spherical, ovoid, or generally round shape
cocci in clusters
Staphylococci
cocci in chains
Streptococci

10. Shapes of bacteria
Vibrio
Possessing a curved-rod shape (comma shape)