Bacteria

Anatomy of Bacteria

Bacteria are single-celled and prokaryote microorganisms. No more than a few micrometers in length, these organisms are very abundant and take various forms such as spheres or rods. They are widespread and are found thriving in almost every habitat on Earth. These include water, soil, and even radioactive waste. Animals, as well as humans, also house different species of bacteria internally and on the surface of the skin. In our planet it is estimated that there are over five nonillion live bacteria, making up most of the organic matter on Earth. Because of this, bacteria takes a very important part in our environment, contributing to many vital natural processes.

Bacteria are prokaryote microorganisms. They lack a nucleus in their single-celled structure. The physical anatomy is similar, but lacks most of the major organelles of a cell. The organelles that are not present include, the nucleus, mitochondria, chloroplasts, and others. Surrounding the bacterium, is its cell membrane which functions as a filter for nutrients and proteins. Like a cell, the cytoplasm within holds the organelles in place. Bacteria operate upon a single chromosome, DNA that is double- stranded and closed circled. The rigid cell wall, that protects it, is made from peptidoglycan. Overall, the form of a bacteria is similar to a cell, as it is a single-celled microorganism, but is prokaryote, therefore lacking a nucleus and other major organelles. Bacteria can be classified into three different forms. Bacilli takes form of a rod, cocci is spherical , and spirilia contains curved walls. These are the three common types of bacteria. However, bacteria also can be classified by using other traits.

Bacteria reproduce through a special form of asexual reproduction, binary fussion. This is used by all prokaryote unicellular organisms. First the DNA is copied from an origin of replication. It enventually opens up a replication bubble, where the DNA strands are...