Bacterium Info

In the food industry, bacteria are used to produce yogurt, cheese, pickles, and sauerkraut.

Engineered bacteria produce insulin, vaccines, and enzymes used in detergents. 4. Human Health and the Microbiome

Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in virtually every environment on Earth, from deep-sea vents to the human digestive tract. They are , meaning they lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. While often associated with disease, the vast majority of bacteria are either harmless or essential to life. 1. Structure and Classification bacterium

Common forms include cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), and spirilla (spiral).

Bacteria are generally categorized by their shape and the composition of their cell walls: In the food industry, bacteria are used to

Scientists use a Gram stain to classify them. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer that retains purple dye, while Gram-negative bacteria have a thinner layer and an outer membrane, appearing pink.

They break down organic matter, recycling carbon and nutrients back into the ecosystem. Human Health and the Microbiome Bacteria are microscopic,

Many use flagella for movement or pili to adhere to surfaces or exchange genetic material. 2. Reproduction and Growth