Support - About Bacteria

Characteristics of Bacteria

	STRUCTURE Single Cell, most simple living structure, independent form of life
	DIMENSION Big range of sizes- measured in microns (1 millionth)
	FORM spherical (cocci) cylindrical (bacillus) spiral

Some Fundamental Structures of Bacteria

CELL WALL CELLULAR MEMBRANE CYTOPLASM CILIA OTHER STRUCTURES

	Cell Wall
	It maintains an internal concentration of salts and metabolites;
	It aids in resistance to adverse conditions;
	It is reponsible for gram classification (can divide bacteria into two groups):gram positive bacteria, which retain gram stain (staphylococcus, streptococcus …), and gram negative bacteria (pseudomonas, salmonella, klebsiella …) which don't retain gram stain.

	Cytoplasm Internal Contents of Cell
	80% WATER
	Metabolites
	Inorganic Ions
	Enzymes
	RIBOSOMES
	Creation of Protein

	Cilia
	CILIA are complex appendages, sometimes longer than the bacteria, that permit motion.
	CILIA are formations present in some bacteria, especially Gram Negatives, that permit adhesion.

	Bacterial Spores
	Spores are structures produced inside some kinds of bacteria. A resistant form is produced by Bacillus and Clastridium.
	These cells are resistant to heat, chemicals and other environmental factors.