The Bacteria

Dr. Linroy Christian

Bacteria
Bacteria are typical prokaryotes Bacteria come in many shapes:
Spherical or ovoid shaped bacteria are referred to as cocci (singular, coccus) Cylindrical shaped bacteria are referred to as rods Some rods are curved forming a spiral-shaped pattern called spirilla Some may be coiled (spirochetes)

many variations in bacterial shapes occur

Bacteria
When viewed under the microscope, many bacterial cells appear in groups or clusters Cocci or rods may appear in long chains or in thin sheets Some cocci appear in cubes or in a grape-like clusters

Cocci
Chains (eg. Streptococcus species) Clusters (eg. Staphylococcus species)

Rods
Typical rod (eg. Bacillus) Some rods may have spores

Spiral-shaped Bacteria
Spirillum (eg., Spirillum volutans) Spirochete (eg. Treponema pallidum and leptospira)

Bacterial Structure
Cell Wall
Made of peptidoglycan Rigid material Thicker in gram positive bacteria than gram negative bacteria Peptidoglycan absent in some bacteria

Cell Membrane
An inner membrane Made of protein and lipids

Bacterial Structure
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
An outer membrane Present in gram negative bacteria, absent in gram positive bacteria

Capsules
Starchy or gelatinous Protects cell from phagocytosis

Slime
Loose polysaccharide Aids in adherence of bacteria to surfaces

Bacterial Structure
Flagella
Thin appendage made of protein Often longer than the cell Acts like a propeller

Fimbriae
Shorter than flagella May be used in adherence to surfaces Not present in all bacteria

Pilli
Similar to fimbriae, but slightly longer May be involved in mating Aids in attachment to human tissue

Bacterial Structure
DNA
Single chromosome Free in cytoplasm No nuclear membrane

Plasmids
Circular DNA molecule Confers special traits

Gram Positive vs. Gram Negative

Bacterial Cell

Bacterial Structure
Endospores
Highly resistant to temperature and disinfectants Develop when bacteria are exposed to adverse conditions Spherical or ovoid Position within the cell differs within species Remain viable for years and germinate when conditions are favourable

Endospore-forming Bacteria

Atypical Bacteria
Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma
Lack peptidoglycan Very small and variable shape Many are parasitic

Chlamydia
Resemble gram negative bacteria Lack some metabolic enzymes Can only multiply within a host cell

Rickettsia
Small, gram negative Multiply within host cell Cause diseases in humans

Bacterial Replication