Bacteria are abundantly found around us. These single-celled organisms measure in just a few micrometers and are invisible to the naked eye. Despite their small size they play a huge role in our ecosystem and are present everywhere. They exist in places we cannot even imagine: soil, our bodies, ocean depths, frozen ice and even inside the volcanos. Let’s learn some interesting facts about bacterias, its different types and role in our lives.

What Are Bacteria
Parts of Bacteria
Types of Bacteria
Role of Bacteria in Our Life

What are Bacteria

Bacteria are unicellular microorganisms that belong to a group of life forms called prokaryotes. It was the first form of life that started on earth around 3.5 billion years ago. This fascinating creature exists in a community of millions. For example, there are millions of bacteria in one millimeter of fresh water. They can take any shape such as round, spiral or cylindrical. The lack of a proper nucleus and membrane-bound organelles is the key distinction between them and the cells found in plants, animals and fungi. From the nitrogen cycle that fertilises our soil to fermentation of yogurt, the role of bacteria in science, agriculture, medicine and ecology is irreplaceable.

Parts of Bacteria

Understanding the structure of bacteria helps in understanding the cellular components inside a bacteria. These parts are arranged in a compact, efficient structure that has remained largely unchanged for billions of years.

Nucloid is a single circle of DNA containing the bacterial chromosome.
Cytoplasm is a gel-like substance enclosed within the plasma membrane.
Ribosomes are the small protein structures present inside the membrane of a cell.
Plasma membrane is the biological boundary that encloses the content of the cell.

Types of Bacteria

Based on different shapes and sizes bacteria can be classified into following three types:

Cocci: They are ball shaped bacterias and a singular bacteria structure called coccus is either oval or round. They’re further classified into other types like monococcus, diplococcus, etc. The common example of this bacteria is streptococcus pneumoniae that causes pneumonia and ear infection.

Bacilli: It is a rod-shaped bacteria characterized by its elongated cylindrical shape. They are further classified as single bacilli, diplobacilli, streptobacilli, etc. Escherichia coli is an example of single bacilli.

Spirilla: It is a helical or corkscrew shaped structure that is flexible and highly coiled. These bacterias can easily move through a viscous environment and colonize human or animal bodies. Some of the examples of spirilla are helicobacter pylori that causes stomach ulcer and gastritis.

The Role of Bacteria in our Life

Most bacteria are good for us. They help us break down our food and absorb nutrients in our body. They play a vital role in fighting infections and preventing diseases. Bacteria also decompose the dead animals and plants to restore the soil’s nutrients. These microorganisms are present in animals too. In different biological, ecological and industrial processes bacteria play a role that makes our world function. They are used in bio-factories for mass production of goods through genetic engineering and fermentation. Although bacteria are small yet they play a huge role in our lives.