Bacteria
Bacteria
Domain: Bacteria
Common Name: Bacteria (Each species have its own common name)
Appearance: Bacteria are one of the oldest microscopic organisms. Even though the structure varies from species to species, the contents remain the same. The bacterial cell may be spherical, rod-like, or curved. It consists of a membrane made of phospholipids containing cytoplasm, protein, and circular DNA. The flagella and fimbriae help in cell motility, making them spread around.
Host Plants or Food: They prey on dead organisms, soil microbes, decaying substances, and also in the human gut and skin.
Territory: Throughout the world
Mode of Damage: Several bacteria are found in the human body, especially in the gut and skin. They pose no harm to the body and stay as commensals. Other bacteria may act as predators and feed on dead organisms. Soil bacteria stay in a mutual relationship with plants, in which both are benefited from each other.
Habits and Life History:
Bacteria are found everywhere on this planet. They are the most common organisms and do not need special food or conditions to grow.
Most bacteria have symbiotic, mutual, or pathogenic relationships with other organisms. However, some are also free-living such as photosynthetic and decomposing bacteria.
They usually reproduce through binary fission in which a bacterial cell divides to form two daughter cells, increasing their number. Some of them also reproduce through budding.
In extremely harsh conditions, the bacteria form endospores which are a protective coat around the bacterial cells and make them highly resistant.