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Bacteria Cell Structure and Function
Bacteria Cell Structure and Function
Prokaryotes
Eukaryotes Both have the same types of biological molecules metabolism, protein synthesis, ATP
Even in groups, bacteria tend to be singlecelled in structure and behavior Some have colonial traits Well-studied example: myxobacteria hunting colonies fruiting bodies
Etc.
Glycocalyx- polysaccharide, protein capsule if organized slime layer if not May contribute to virulence
Some bacteria are motile (due to flagella) Bacteria vary in the way flagella are attached How they move: running, tumbling, swarming
Cell membrane structure is similar in structure and function to that of eukaryotes Phospholipid bilayer (everything moves through it, since there are no organelles)
carrier proteins generally involve proton motive force (i.e, require energy and moving against the concentration gradient)
Cell wall- hallmark of prokaryotes Their reaction with Gram stain allows bacterai to be divided into two groups Positive-lots of peptidoglycan Negative- thin layer, with an outer membrane and periplasmic space in between Many secreted proteins are found here
Structure of peptidoglycan
Mycoplasma do not have a cell wall Lots of variety in archaea- but none have peptidoglycan
Internal components Nucleoid- with single, circular, supercoiled DNA molecule Many bacteria have plasmids small, extrachromosomal, circular piece of DNA genes present are usually not required but may be advantageous (antibiotic resistance, resistance to metals) Now used for genetic engineering
Ribosomes
No membrane-bound organelles Some have storage granules Some aquatic bacteria have gas vesicles Some have endospores (soil bacteria) that enable them to lie dormant under unfavorable conditions
Summary
Eukaryotes have membrane-bound organelles Eukaryotes may be multicellular with highly specialized cells Prokaryotes have simple shapes and are classified according to their morphology Certain structures are unique to prokaryotes