1. Bacteria

2. Spirillum (spiral shape)
What are Prokaryotes?
Prokaryotes are single-celled organisms that do not have membrane-bound organelles
They have adapted to live in almost every environment
They are generally found in three shapes
Baccilus (rod shaped)
Coccus (sphere shape)
Spirillum (spiral shape)

3. Kingdoms of Prokaryotes
Archaea
Found in extreme environments
Structurally different from bacteria
Bacteria
Most prokaryotes are in this group
Can be found virtually anywhere!

4. Bacterial Structure
Bacteria have genetic material in the form of a single loop of DNA that is clustered in a mass called a nucleoid
Bacteria also have ribosomes and many enzymes
Bacteria have cell membranes and cell walls made of peptidoglycan
Gram positive bacteria have a thick layer of peptidoglycan
Gram negative bacteria have a thin layer of peptidoglycan

5. Bacterial Structure Bacteria move by rotating their flagella
Bacteria stick to surfaces with pili

6. Obtaining Energy & Nutrients
Bacteria differ in how they obtain energy and nutrients
Photoautotrophs get their energy from sunlight
Cyanobacteria were responsible for most of the oxygen on earth
Chemoautotrophs can get their energy from inorganic sources
Heterotrophs get their energy from other organisms (alive or dead)

7. Reproduction and Adaptation
Bacteria reproduce through binary fission
When a single cell divides into two identical new cells

8. Reproduction and Adaptation
Bacteria can exchange genetic material through conjugation
During conjugation, a pilus from one bacterium attaches to a second bacterium
The cells then join and exchange genetic material
Benefit: Creates genetic diversity which increases the chance of survival in a changing environment

9. Reproduction and Adaptation
Some bacteria survive harsh conditions by forming thick-walled structures called endospores
They form inside bacteria
They surround the DNA and protect it from harsh conditions
When harsh conditions end, endospore can disassemble and bacteria can thrive

10. Bacteria & Humans
Pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria are responsible for diseases such as Strep Throat and Pneumonia
One can take antibiotics to cure a bacterial infection
Antibiotics interfere with the peptidoglycan cell wall of bacteria
It is important to take antibiotics as prescribed to avoid antibiotic resistance