Types of bacteria

What is the definition of bacteria? Bacteria are unicellular microorganisms constituted by a single prokaryotic cell. They are recognized as one of the most primitive living beings groups on the planet, grouped within the Prokaryotic Kingdom, of the Greek “Protos”, Primitive and “Cariota”, nucleus.

Among the main characteristics of bacteria, which are an extensive and varied group of organisms alive, stand out:

• Its size varies: Bacteria can measure between 0.5 and 5 micrometers (μm) in length, the use of optimal microscopy being necessary to visualize them.
• Bacteria They have enzymatic machinery: It allows them to have constant chemical energy sources to develop their vital functions.
• The structure of The bacteria prokaryotic cell is simple: It lacks membrane -delimited cell organelles and has a strong and resistant cell wall, which allows bacteria to survive in different environmental conditions. Discover more about cellular organelles: what are, functions and examples below.
• They have circular DNA: The genetic material of bacteria is constituted by the aforementioned circular DNA.
• They are able to grow and develop freely: Most bacteria have this characteristics, except for certain exceptions of groups of bacteria that are forced intracellular life, that is, they need to parasitize other living organisms from those that obtain energy and food to survive.
• Are reproduced by binary fission: A simple process by which the stem cell is divided by giving rise to two daughter cells, carriers of exact “maternal” DNA.

Discover more sorbe them in these interesting articles of ecology see about the bacteria are living beings? and the difference between viruses and bacteria.

Now that we have seen what bacteria are and what are the characteristics of bacteria, we will know the types that exist.

To know the different types of bacteria that exist, it is necessary to resort to Taxonomic classifications that the science of Microbiology It has been making during the long and detailed study of bacteria. Thus, at present we can differentiate the different types of bacteria according to the morphological structure and stiffness of their cell wall, being possible to distinguish the following three main types of bacteria:

• Coconuts: With spherical or oval forms.
• Bacilli: cylindrical or cane, both straight and curved.
• Spirile: Spiral shape.
  

In the next sections we will see in detail what are the main characteristics of each of these types of bacteria according to their form, as well as some examples of bacteria that belong to both group.

If you want to know more about what microbiology and its branches are, do not hesitate to consult the following Ecology Verde.

The characteristic spherical or oval form of coconuts It makes the bacterium cell divided, it can be kept together with another cell after said cell division. In this way, although these types of bacteria continue to always keep their cellular independence, they will form different groups depending on the unique or multiple division plane:

• Single division plane: Diplococci or chain coconuts (genus Streptococcus).
• Multiple division plans: Coconut group in tetrads or clusters (Staphylococcus genus).
  

Here will some coconut bacteria nameswhich are worldwide known for the diseases they cause:

• Streptococcus pyogenes: tonsillitis.
• Haemophilus influenzae: flu.
• Streptococcus pneumoniae: pneumonia.
• Neisseria gonorrhoea: Gonorrhea.
• Neisseria Meningitidi: meningitis.
• Streptococcus mutans: Caries.
• Staphylococcus aureus: Osteomyelitis.

Now that we have seen the characteristics of coconut bacteria, we go with the next type.

Within the Bacilli bacteria type group It is possible to differentiate different subtypes of bacteria depending on the length and morphological structure of the cells:

• Short bacilli with irregular shape: cocobacilos.
• Long bacilli with undulating ends: Bacillus genre.
• Coma -shaped curved bacilli: genus vibrio.
• Bacilli grouped in filament forming Chinese letters: genus Corynebacterium.

Within the type of bacteria of bacilli we can find examples of bacteria that maintain both harmful and beneficial relationships with other living organisms. On the one hand, the bacteria classes of the bacilli that They cause disease are:

• Bacillus anthracis (Cutaneous carbunction).
• Vibrio Cholerae (anger).

As for the bacteria of the bacilli that are part of the bacterial and beneficial flora for animals we can see:

• Lactobacillus casei.
• Lactobacillus Acidophilus.
• Lactobacillus bifidus.

The curious spiral shape that characterizes the bacteria of the Spirillos Group It is easily recognizable to the optical microscope, being possible to distinguish different subgroups according to the number of turns and the structure of these spirals.

Thus, the spiral can have a helical shape with a rigid structure, or, with a pull -shaped shape, being the most flexible structure. This last morphological structure is characteristic of those commonly known as Spiroquetas bacteria.

Let’s see, then some bacteria names that have this type of Helical structuresand the diseases associated with these examples of bacteria:

• Treponema Pallidum: syphilis.
• Borrelia: Causes fever and infections in humans and other animals, using ticks, lice and other invertebrates such as infection vectors.
• LEPTOSPIRA: Leptospirosis or Weill jaundice.

Learn more about bacteria knowing more the kingdom of nature in which they are classified, the Monera Kingdom: what is, characteristics, classification and examples.

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