Download Micro-life: Bacteria

Micro-life: Bacteria
You will understand and
comprehend the characteristics of
bacteria
Bacteria Characteristics:
LIVING Single Celled
organisms
Contain DNA and RNA
genetic material
Most have a cell wall
(protective layer)
May have a capsule
around cell wall (most
disease causing do)
Have small hair like
extensions called Pilus (i)
May produce an
ENDOSPORE when placed
in unfavorable conditions
3 Forms of Bacteria
3 basic forms
Cocci- Round
Bacillus- Rod Shaped
Spirilla- “Curly Fries”
Bacteria Needs and Reproduction
Bacteria need moisture, food source and
warm in general to grow
Lungs, Mouth, and Nasal Passages are ideal
growing places for bacteria
Body’s production of mucus with enzymes
helps prevent bacteria from growing
Bacteria reproduce rapidly when needs are
met
Bacteria Reproduction: 2 ways
Fission (asexual/cloning)Bacteria simply makes
duplicate copies if genes
and divides. DNA is exact
same for both parent and
“daughter cell”
Fusion (sexual)- Bacteria
exchanges genetic material
with another bacterium.
DNA is different than
“Parent” bacterium.
2 Types of Bacteria
Archaebacteria“Extremeophiles” live in
harsh environments, deep
sea, deep underground,
volcanic areas: DO NOT
NEED OXYGEN TO
SURVIVE: Autotrophsmake their own food (light)
Eubacteria- found
commonly everywhere:
Heterotrophs- need food
source to live
Common Diseases from Bacteria
Anthrax, Botulism,
Tetanus, Typhoid fever,
Rocky Mountain
Spotted fever, Syphilis,
Gonorrhea,
Pneumonia, Strep
Throat
Medicines made by bacteria
Insulin, amikacin, gentamicin, kanamycin,
neomycin, netilmicin, paromomycin,
streptomycin, tobramycin and apramycin
and antifungal medicines
Also being looked as possible source to fight
cancer(?)
Foods made with bacteria aid, pickles,
vinegar, yogurt, and cheese
BIG PROBLEM
Overuse of antibiotics has
lead to “Super strains” of
bacteria to “evolve”
Very hard to kill bacteria
that cause MRSA or
STAPH infection
MOST HOSIPTALS
HAVE THESE
SUPERSTRANDS within
them!
How your body responds to the
“Bacterial INVASION”
Natural Killer Cells arrive and attack bacteria
B cells release antibodies that can smother the
bacteria, not allowing it to move (B cells must
recognize bacterial coating, so you need a past
“encounter”/infection)
MACROPHAGES come and eat the invader
creating a fever and more immune cells
Antibiotics help accelerate the process killing
bacteria and promoting a quicker response by
the body’s immune system