Domain Bacteria

Bacteria

Prokaryotic organisms that appear similar to Archaea but belong to their own distinct domain.

Peptidoglycan

A combination of proteins and carbohydrates that makes up bacterial cell walls.

Coccus (Cocci)

Sphere-shaped bacteria.

Bacillus (Bacilli)

Rod-shaped bacteria.

Spirillum (Spirilli)

Spiral-shaped bacteria.

Mono

A bacterial arrangement where the cells exist as single bacteria.

Diplo-

A bacterial arrangement where two bacteria are attached together.

Strepto-

A bacterial arrangement where bacteria form chains.

Staphylo-

A bacterial arrangement where bacteria form clumps.

Obligate Aerobes

Bacteria that require oxygen in order to survive.

Obligate Anaerobes

Bacteria that can only survive without oxygen.

Facultative Anaerobes

Bacteria that can live with or without oxygen.

Heterotrophs

Bacteria that obtain nutrients from other organisms.

Parasites

Bacteria that survive on living organisms for food and often cause disease.

Saprophytes

Bacteria that obtain nutrients from dead or decomposing matter.

Autotrophs

Bacteria that make their own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis.

Binary Fission

The most common form of bacterial reproduction where one cell divides into two identical cells through asexual reproduction.

Conjugation

A form of bacterial sexual reproduction where bacteria exchange genetic material, often spreading antibiotic resistance.

Endospore Formation

A survival process where some bacteria form dormant spores during unfavourable conditions.

Dormant Cell

An inactive bacterial cell that can survive harsh environmental conditions until conditions improve.

Antibiotic Resistance

The ability of bacteria to survive exposure to antibiotics that would normally kill them.

Chemosynthesis

The process of making food using chemical energy instead of sunlight.

Prokaryotic

A type of cell that does not contain a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.