Introduction to Types of Bacteria
Currently, bacteria are referred to as one of the oldest types of life on earth. Even though the majority of bacteria make humans sick, they have an everlasting, mutual relationship with humans and are incredibly vital for human survival on the planet. However, since the beginning, life has evolved into a myriad of life forms over many millennia. To support this fact, humans can trace their ancestry back to single-celled organisms. Thus, let us now know all about bacteria, types of bacteria, their evolutionary history, classification, and more.
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What are Bacteria?
Bacteria are considered to be microscopic and single-celled organisms that exist in millions, throughout the environment, both inside and outside other organisms. In fact, bacteria are found everywhere around, there are types of bacteria in urine and other parts of the human body as well. A few bacteria are adverse, but the majority of bacteria serve a beneficial purpose. In fact, they support various forms of life, both animals and plants, and are also used in medicinal and industrial processes. Furthermore, bacteria can use primarily organic, and a few inorganic elements as food and some can even survive excessive conditions.
When it comes to bacteria classification, bacteria are classified into fixed major groups based on their fundamental shapes: rod, spherical, comma, spiral, or corkscrew. Most importantly, bacteria are present in each habitat on Earth-like soil, oceans, rock, and even arctic snow.
Evolution of Bacteria
It’s a proven fact that bacteria have existed from exceptionally early in the history of life on Earth. There are bacteria fossils detected in rocks dating from around the Devonian Period (419.2 million to 358.9 million years ago). Moreover, there are valid arguments that bacteria have been present since the early Precambrian time, which is about 3.5 billion years ago.
Besides, bacteria and archaea were the most common types of organisms on Earth for about 3 billion years as multicellular eukaryotes did not emerge until around 1.6-2 billion years ago. Hence, bacteria have had a lot of time to adapt to their ever-changing environments, which lead to several descendant forms. All in all, the evolution of bacteria extensively refers to the heritable genetic changes that a bacterium collects throughout its life. It can surface from adaptations in response to various environmental changes or the immune response of the host. Due to their short generation times and massive population sizes, bacteria can evolve swiftly.
Characteristics of Bacteria
As we already know, bacteria are single-celled organisms that lack organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts and don’t have the true nucleus detected in eukaryotic cells. Rather, their DNA, a double-strand that is consistent and circular, is placed in a nucleoid. The nucleoid is an unevenly shaped region that doesn’t have a nuclear membrane.
Most importantly, bacteria also have a cell wall and a cell membrane usually made of peptidoglycan. Collectively, the cell wall and cell membrane are considered the cell envelope, and thus, several bacteria require a cell wall to survive.
When it comes to reproduction happens through binary fission, which is the breakdown of a bacterial cell after it reaches a particular size. Generally, bacteria reproduce asexually, so the two daughter cells that result from binary fission have the same DNA as the parent cells. Although, a few bacteria can also exchange genetic material among each other in a process called horizontal gene transfer. It includes two already existing bacteria, which are not a type of transmission from parent to child.
Types of Bacteria
There are multiple types of bacteria based on shape. All in all, there are several variations within every shape group. Let’s know all about these bacteria types:
Spherical-shaped: This kind of bacteria that is spherical or elliptical in shape is known as cocci. Most cocci stay attached after binary fission, regardless of how separate cells have been formed. For instance, diplococci are cocci in pairs, streptococci are chains, and staphylococci are bunches of various cocci. Furthermore, tetrads are square arrangements of four cocci, while sarcinae are cubes of eight cocci.
Rod-shaped: These bacteria types are widely referred to as bacilli (singular bacillus). A few rod-shaped bacteria are curved, which are called vibrio. A few examples of rod-shaped are Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis) or anthrax.
Spiral-shaped: As the name suggests, these types of bacteria are spiral-shaped. Moreover, they are also known as spirilla (singular spirillum), which are thick and tough spirals. If their coil is exceptionally tight, they are called spirochetes which are quite thin and flexible. Lastly, Vibrios are comma-shaped rods with tiny twists.
Thus, bacteria can be found in other shapes like filamentous (long and thin), star-shaped, square, and stalked, making the list types of bacteria quite long.
Nutritional Types of Bacteria
Based on the energy source, organisms are appointed as:
Phototrophs
The organisms which can use light as an energy medium are called phototrophs. Such bacteria obtain energy through light.
Chemotrophs
These kinds of bacteria acquire energy from various chemical elements and can’t carry out photosynthesis.
Based on the electron source, organisms are appointed as:
Lithotrophs
Most organisms can utilize lowered organic compounds as electron donors and are referred to as Lithotrophs. Furthermore, they can also be Photolithotrops and Chemolithotrophs.
Organotrophs
A few organisms can utilize organic compounds as electron donors and are known as Organotrophs. Moreover, they can be Photoorganotrophs and Chemoorganotrophs.
Examples of Bacteria
Lactobacillus acidophilus is one of the common types of bacteria in the human body, shaped like bacillus and naturally found in the intestines and vagina, protecting against dangerous bacteria. Furthermore, it’s a probiotic, a bacterium detected in specific foods such as yogurt and various other fermented foods that are eaten to help soak up nutrients and recharge the body’s supply of ‘good’ bacteria.
Another common example of bacteria species is Escherichia coli. It’s also a bacillus-shaped bacteria found naturally in the intestines of various animals, including humans, where it generates vitamin K and b-complex vitamins. These types of bacteria in urine can affect the urethra, bladder, vagina, or kidneys. It’s also usually utilized in lab research as it reproduces rapidly and is hardy.
Thus, now you know the common types of bacteria names along with their evolution and characteristics.
FAQs on Types of Bacteria
1. What are the main ways to classify bacteria based on their shape?
Bacteria are most commonly classified into four main groups based on their physical shape, which helps scientists identify them. The primary types are:
- Cocci: These are spherical or round-shaped bacteria.
- Bacilli: These are identified by their rod shape.
- Spirilla: These have a distinct spiral or corkscrew shape.
- Vibrio: These are shaped like a comma or a curved rod.
2. Besides shape, what is another important way to classify bacteria?
Another crucial classification method is Gram staining, which divides bacteria into two groups based on their cell wall structure. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick cell wall that retains a purple stain. Gram-negative bacteria have a thinner wall and do not retain the stain, appearing pink. This difference is very important for determining how to treat bacterial infections.
3. Are all bacteria harmful to humans?
No, not at all. While some types of bacteria cause diseases (pathogens), many are actually essential for our health. We depend on helpful bacteria, like those in our gut, to digest food, produce essential vitamins like Vitamin K, and help our immune system protect us from harmful invaders. These beneficial bacteria are often called probiotics.
4. What is the main difference between Archaebacteria and Eubacteria?
Archaebacteria and Eubacteria are two major domains of bacteria. The primary difference is in their habitat and cell wall composition. Archaebacteria are known for thriving in extreme environments like hot springs and very salty lakes, and their cell walls lack peptidoglycan. Eubacteria, often called 'true bacteria', are found almost everywhere and their cell walls are made of peptidoglycan.
5. What general conditions do bacteria need to grow and multiply?
Most bacteria require a specific set of conditions to thrive. The key factors include:
- Nutrients: A source of food, particularly carbon and nitrogen, for energy.
- Temperature: Most bacteria grow best in a moderate temperature range, often between 4°C and 60°C (40°F and 140°F).
- Moisture: Water is essential for bacterial growth and reproduction.
- pH Level: They typically prefer environments that are neutral or slightly acidic.
6. How does the shape of a bacterium help it to survive?
A bacterium's shape is closely linked to its survival strategy. For example, a rod shape (bacilli) gives the bacterium a larger surface area to absorb nutrients efficiently. A spherical shape (cocci) is more resistant to physical stress and drying out. The unique spiral shape (spirilla) helps bacteria move effectively through thick fluids, like mucus in the body.
7. Can you give examples of helpful and harmful bacteria in everyday life?
Certainly. A common example of helpful bacteria is Lactobacillus, which is used to make yoghurt and is good for digestion. An example of harmful bacteria is Salmonella, which can cause severe food poisoning if it contaminates food.
