Bacteria; Structure, and cellular differentiation Flashcards
define bacteria
Superkingdom or domain of prokaryotic microorganisms containing all prokaryotes that are not members of the Archaea.
how is bacteria distinguished by archaea?
Distinguished from the Archaea based on molecular genetics and biochemistry.
what are bacteria?
- Small, single celled organisms
- No nucleus
- DNA is in a loop
May have additional plasmids (circular DNA)
bacteria has no
membrane bound organelles
bacteria typically possess cell walls contianing
peptidoglycans (some exceptions)
what rna present in bacteria?
70S rRNA
bacteria has a rudimentary
cytoskeleton
what kind of dna in bacteria?
circular chromosome of DNA (single orign of replication)
hwo do bacteria transfer genetic material
Transfer genetic material by conjugation and by virus mediated transfer.
bacteria are a
…Extremely metabolically and ecologically diverse group of unicellular microorgansms
bacteria are free…
… living in soil and water
bacteria have what forms?
parasitic forms
bacteria are saprophyts of
… plants and animals
bacteria are found in
all enviornments on earth
- Extreme environments (deep sea vents, volcanoes, Artic/Antarctic etc.)
- Soil, air, water
- Plants, animals, humans
bacteria are a Commercially and medically important species in
- disease
- health
- food and drink manufacture
- agriculture + other industries
bacteria often form
colonies
bacteria reproduce by
binary fission to produce identical offspring
bacteria grow…
… rapidly (E. coli can divide every 20 mins under optimal conditions)
some bacteria can produce…
… spores to survive unfavourable conditions (eg bacillus anhracis
some bacteria can produce…
… toxins
why is cell size important? –
- small size provides a high surface area to volume ratio
- nutrients can be taken up quickly,
- waste products disposed of quickly
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