Characteristics of Bacteria

Archaebacteria

A group of bacteria that live in extreme habitats, including methanogens, extreme halophiles, and thermoacidophiles.

Eubacteria

The second group of bacteria that inhabit various environments and exhibit diverse metabolic processes.

Methanogens

Archaebacteria that live in oxygen-free environments and produce methane.

Extreme Halophiles

Archaebacteria that thrive in highly saline environments, such as salt lakes.

Thermoacidophiles

Archaebacteria that live in hot, acidic environments, such as sulfur springs.

Prokaryotes

Organisms, like bacteria, that lack membrane-bound organelles and a defined nucleus.

Binary fission

The asexual reproduction process in bacteria, where a single cell divides into two cells.

Conjugation

A process in bacteria where one bacterium transfers genetic material to another through a pilus.

Heterotrophs

Bacteria that obtain energy by decomposing other organisms.

Photosynthetic Autotrophs

Bacteria that convert sunlight into energy for themselves.

Chemosynthetic Autotrophs

Bacteria that derive energy from chemical reactions, particularly in the nitrogen cycle.

Coccus

Sphere-shaped bacteria.

Bacillus

Rod-shaped bacteria.

Spirillum

Spiral shaped bacteria.

Diplococci

Spherical bacteria that occur in pairs.

Streptococci

Cocci that form long chains.

Staphylobacilli

Bacilli that form grape-like clusters.

Cell Wall

The outer structure that protects the bacterial cell and provides shape.

Ribosome

Cellular structure where protein synthesis occurs; smaller in bacteria than in eukaryotes.

Pili

Hair-like structures that enable bacteria to attach to surfaces and facilitate conjugation.

Single circular chromosome

The form of genetic information in bacteria, distinct from the paired chromosomes found in eukaryotes.