What is Bacteria?
Bacteria are unicellular organism that belong to the prokaryotic kingdom Monera. Bacteria are among the first life forms to appear on Earth. Bacteria can exist as single cells, in pairs, chains, or clusters. They are mostly free living and are found almost everywhere on the earth. Based on their shape they are classified into five types: Spherical (cocci), Rod (bacilli), Spiral (spirilla), Comma (vibrios), Corkscrew (spirochaetes). The characteristics of the bacteria are as follows:
- Bacteria are microscopic organism that range in size from 0.2-2 micrometers in diameter and 0.5-5.0 micrometers in length
- They possess rigid cell wall that is made of peptidoglycans. It gives them their shape.
- They lack organelles like mitochondria, Golgi apparatus.
- Bacteria lack true nucleus.
- Have a plasma membrane that generates energy and transports chemicals.
- Reproduce through binary fission.
- For locomotion they have whip-like flagella.
- They have a chromosome (nucleoid), ribosomes, and cytoplasm.
Examples of Bacteria: Escherichia coli (E. coli) which is commonly found in the human intestine, Bacillus subtilis that is found in soil and used in various biotechnological applications. Some bacteria are harmful and are called pathogenic bacteria. Pathogenic bacteria can cause diseases and illnesses, such as: Cholera, Tuberculosis, Food poisoning, Strep throat, Staph infection.
Also Read: Multicellular Organism
Difference Between Bacteria and Amoeba
Bacteria and Amoeba both are unicellular organisms but they belong to different kingdoms and differ in terms of their cellular structure, locomotion, etc. Bacteria are single-celled prokaryotic organisms with rigid cell walls, that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Amoeba on the other hand are eukaryotic protists with a flexible cell membrane, a nucleus, and pseudopodia for locomotion. In this article, we will study the differences between bacteria and amoeba and in brief about bacteria and amoeba.
Table of Content
- Difference Between Bacteria and Amoeba
- What is Bacteria?
- What is Amoeba?
- Conclusion – Difference between Bacteria and Amoeba
- FAQs on Bacteria and Amoeba