 Bacteria, one-celled organisms visible only through a

microscope.
 Bacterial cells are so small that scientists measure them in
units called micrometers (µm). One micrometer equals a
millionth of a meter (0.0000001 m or about 0.000039 in), and
an average bacterium is about one micrometer long.
 Bacteria lack a true nucleus, a feature that distinguishes them
from plant and animal cells.
 Biologists classify all life forms as either prokaryotes or
eukaryotes. Prokaryotes are simple, single-celled organisms
like bacteria.
 Just like eukaryotes; the cell wall gives the
bacteria support and protection, and cell wall
allows materials in and out.
 In the cytoplasm are ribosome’s where proteins
are made
 Attached to the outside of the cell membrane
going through the cell wall is the flagella.
 Bacteria cells typically are surrounded by a rigid,
protective cell wall. The cell membrane, also called
the plasma membrane, regulates passage of
materials into and out of the cytoplasm, the semi-
fluid that fills the cell. The DNA, located in the
nucleoid region, contains the genetic information
for the cell. Ribosomes carry out protein synthesis.
Many baceteria contain a pilus (plural pili), a
structure that extends out of the cell to transfer
DNA to another bacterium. The flagellum, found in
numerous species, is used for locomotion. Some
bacteria contain a plasmid, a small chromososme
with extra genes. Others have a capsule, a sticky
substance external to the cell wall that protects
bacteria from attack by white blood cells. A
 A whip like
structure that
allows the bacteria
to move from one
place to another.
 The flagellums
moves the cell by
spinning in place
like a propeller
 There are three basic shapes:
1. Spherical
2. Rod
3. Spiral
 The chemical makeup of the cell wall
determines the cell’s shape
 Called Bacilli

 E. Coli
Called spirilla
Called Cocci
1. Autotrophs – capture sun’s energy to make
their own food
2. Autotrophs – use energy from chemical
substances in their environment to make
own food. Ex depths of the ocean
3. Heterotrophs – consume autotrophs or
other heterotrophs
 Bacteria reproduces two
ways:
1. Binary fission
 A process in which one
cell divides to from two
identical cells
 A form of asexual
reproduction
 The cell first duplicates
its genetic material.
 Then it divides into two
cells, containing the same
genetic material.
2. Conjugated
• A form of sexual reproduction
• One cell transfers some of its genetic material
into another cell through a threadlike bridge.
• Then they separate.
• Results in a different genetical make-up then
parents
 If the environment becomes unfavorable, such as
the lack of food.
 Bacteria responds by forming endospores.
 A small, thick-walled, resting cell forms inside the bacteria
 Contains the cell’s genetic material
 Bacteria can survive in this state for many years.
 Once suitable again, the cell opens up and grows
again
 Some are harmful, but most interact with organisms in
harmless positive ways.
 Examples
 Bacteria in the soil are decomposers
 Bacteria in our intestines help to continue in the break
down of food
 Eubacteria helps add in producing dairy products like
cheese, yogurt
 Causative Agent Disease
Bacillus anthracis Anthrax
Bacillus cereus Food Poisoning
Clostridium botulinum Botulism
Clostridium perfringens Gas Gangrene
Clostridium tetani Tetanus
Corynebacterium diphtheriae Diphtheria

Escherichia coli Diarrhea

Klebsiella pneumoniae Pneumonia
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Tuberculosis

Salmonella typhi Typhoid Fever

 Causative Agent Disease
Yersinia pestis Plague

Varicella Virus Chicken Pox

Vibrio Cholerae Cholera

Wuchereria bancrofti Filiariasis

Neisseria gonorrhoaea Gonorrhoea

Mycobacterium leprae Leprosy

Treponema palidum Syphilis

Trichomonas vaginalis Vaginitis

Bordetella pertussis Whooping Cough

Neisseria meningitidis Meningitis

Staphylococcus aureus Skin Infections, Pneumonia

Pictures of Bacterial Infection on Humans

Cutaneous Anthrax Infection

Gas Gangrene Infection
Chicken Pox Infection
Filariasis
Gonorrhea
Syphilis Infection
Leprosy Infection
Severe Necrotic Vaginitis