Engineered bacteria produce insulin, vaccines, and enzymes used in detergents. 4. Human Health and the Microbiome
Bacteria play a critical role in maintaining the planet's balance:
They break down organic matter, recycling carbon and nutrients back into the ecosystem. bacterium
Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in virtually every environment on Earth, from deep-sea vents to the human digestive tract. They are , meaning they lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. While often associated with disease, the vast majority of bacteria are either harmless or essential to life. 1. Structure and Classification
Common forms include cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), and spirilla (spiral). Ecological and Industrial Importance
Certain bacteria in soil convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use to grow.
Many use flagella for movement or pili to adhere to surfaces or exchange genetic material. 2. Reproduction and Growth Under optimal conditions
Bacteria reproduce asexually through , a process where a single cell duplicates its DNA and splits into two identical daughter cells. Under optimal conditions, some species can double their population every 20 minutes. They can also exchange DNA through conjugation , which allows for the rapid spread of traits like antibiotic resistance. 3. Ecological and Industrial Importance