Bacteria

Question 1

What is the basic structure of bacteria?

Answer 1

Bacteria are unicellular organisms with a cell wall made of polysaccharides, cytoplasm surrounded by a cell membrane, and no membrane-bound organelles. Their DNA is in an irregular loop called a nucleoid, and some bacteria have plasmids and flagella for movement.

Question 2

What are the different shapes of bacteria?

Answer 2

The shapes of bacteria include:

Coccus: Round
Bacillus: Rod-shaped
Spirillum: Spiral-shaped
Vibrio: Comma-shaped

Question 3

What are the different types of autotrophic bacteria?

Answer 3

Photosynthetic Bacteria: Use sunlight for energy to make their own food.
Chemosynthetic Bacteria: Use chemicals (like hydrogen sulfide) for energy to produce food.

Question 4

What are the different types of heterotrophic bacteria?

Answer 4

Parasitic Bacteria: Obtain food from living organisms, often harming the host.
Saprotrophic Bacteria: Decompose dead organic material, recycling nutrients in ecosystems.
Mutualistic Bacteria: Form relationships with other organisms where both benefit, like gut bacteria in humans.

Question 5

What is binary fission in bacteria?

Answer 5

Binary fission is the process of asexual reproduction in bacteria, where a single bacterium divides into two identical daughter cells.

Question 6

How does binary fission occur in bacteria?

Answer 6

DNA replication
Cell elongation
Division by the septum
Separation into two daughter cells

Question 7

What are endospores in bacteria?

Answer 7

Endospores are dormant, highly resistant structures formed by some bacteria to survive unfavorable conditions (like heat, lack of moisture, or nutrients).

Question 8

How do bacteria form endospores?

Answer 8

DNA replicates and is surrounded by a tough, protective coat.
The cell dehydrates and the metabolism slows.
The endospore is released, allowing the bacteria to survive harsh conditions until conditions improve.