What groups of bacteria exist? Gram-positive bacteria: structural features and vital functions. Beneficial bacteria are

What bacteria are there: types of bacteria, their classification

Bacteria are tiny microorganisms that appeared many thousands of years ago. It is impossible to see microbes with the naked eye, but we should not forget about their existence. There are a huge number of bacilli. The science of microbiology deals with their classification, study, varieties, structural features and physiology.

Microorganisms are called differently, depending on their type of action and function. Under a microscope, you can observe how these small creatures interact with each other. The first microorganisms were quite primitive in form, but their importance should in no case be underestimated. From the very beginning, bacilli developed, created colonies, and tried to survive in changing climatic conditions. Different vibrios are able to exchange amino acids in order to grow and develop normally.

Today it is difficult to say how many species of these microorganisms there are on earth (this number exceeds a million), but the most famous ones and their names are familiar to almost every person. It doesn’t matter what kind of microbes there are or what they are called, they all have one advantage - they live in colonies, which makes it much easier for them to adapt and survive.

First, let's figure out what microorganisms exist. The simplest classification is good and bad. In other words, those that are harmful to the human body cause many diseases, and those that are beneficial. Next we will talk in detail about what the main beneficial bacteria are and give their description.

You can also classify microorganisms according to their shape and characteristics. Many people probably remember that in school textbooks there was a special table depicting various microorganisms, and next to them was the meaning and their role in nature. There are several types of bacteria:

• cocci - small balls that resemble a chain, as they are located one after another;
• rod-shaped;
• spirilla, spirochetes (have a convoluted shape);
• vibrios.

Bacteria of different shapes

We have already mentioned that one of the classifications divides microbes into types depending on their forms.

Bacillus bacteria also have some characteristics. For example, there are rod-shaped types with pointed poles, thickened, rounded or straight ends. As a rule, rod-shaped microbes are very different and are always in chaos, they do not line up in a chain (with the exception of streptobacilli), and do not attach to each other (except for diplobacilli).

Microbiologists include streptococci, staphylococci, diplococci, and gonococci among spherical microorganisms. These can be pairs or long chains of balls.

Curved bacilli are spirilla, spirochetes. They are always active, but do not produce spores. Spirilla is safe for people and animals. You can distinguish spirilla from spirochetes if you pay attention to the number of whorls; they are less convoluted and have special flagella on their limbs.

Types of pathogenic bacteria

For example, a group of microorganisms called cocci, and more specifically streptococci and staphylococci, become the cause of real purulent diseases (furunculosis, streptococcal tonsillitis).

Anaerobes live and develop well without oxygen; for some types of these microorganisms, oxygen becomes fatal. Aerobic microbes require oxygen to thrive.

Archaea are practically colorless single-celled organisms.

You need to beware of pathogenic bacteria, because they cause infections; gram-negative microorganisms are considered resistant to antibodies. There is a lot of information about soil, putrefactive microorganisms, which can be harmful or beneficial.

In general, spirilla are not dangerous, but some species can cause sodoku.

Types of beneficial bacteria

Even schoolchildren know that bacilli can be useful and harmful. People know some names by ear (staphylococcus, streptococcus, plague bacillus). These are harmful creatures that interfere not only with the external environment, but also with humans. There are microscopic bacilli that cause food poisoning.

You definitely need to know useful information about lactic acid, food, and probiotic microorganisms. For example, probiotics, in other words good organisms, are often used for medical purposes. You may ask: for what? They do not allow harmful bacteria to multiply inside a person, strengthen the protective functions of the intestines, and have a good effect on the human immune system.

Bifidobacteria are also very beneficial for the intestines. Lactic acid vibrios include about 25 species. They are found in huge quantities in the human body, but are not dangerous. On the contrary, they protect the gastrointestinal tract from putrefactive and other microbes.

Speaking of good ones, one cannot fail to mention the huge species of streptomycetes. They are known to those who have taken chloramphenicol, erythromycin and similar drugs.

There are microorganisms such as azotobacter. They live in the soil for many years, have a beneficial effect on the soil, stimulate plant growth, and cleanse the soil of heavy metals. They are indispensable in medicine, agriculture, medicine, and the food industry.

Types of bacterial variability

By their nature, microbes are very fickle, they die quickly, they can be spontaneous or induced. We will not go into detail about the variability of bacteria, since this information is more interesting to those who are interested in microbiology and all its branches.

Types of bacteria for septic tanks

Residents of private houses understand the urgent need to purify wastewater, as well as cesspools. Today, you can quickly and efficiently clean drains using special bacteria for septic tanks. This is a huge relief for a person, since cleaning sewers is not a pleasant task.

We have already clarified where biological wastewater treatment is used, and now let’s talk about the system itself. Bacteria for septic tanks are grown in laboratories; they kill the unpleasant odor of wastewater, disinfect drainage wells, cesspools, and reduce the volume of wastewater. There are three types of bacteria that are used for septic tanks:

• aerobic;
• anaerobic;
• live (bioactivators).

Very often people use combined cleaning methods. Strictly follow the instructions on the product, ensuring that the water level is conducive to the normal survival of bacteria. Also remember to use the drain at least once every two weeks to give the bacteria something to eat, otherwise they will die. Don't forget that chlorine from cleaning powders and liquids kills bacteria.

The most popular bacteria are Doctor Robic, Septifos, Waste Treat.

Types of bacteria in urine

In theory, there should be no bacteria in urine, but after various actions and situations, tiny microorganisms settle wherever they want: in the vagina, in the nose, in water, and so on. If bacteria are detected during tests, this means that the person suffers from diseases of the kidneys, bladder or ureters. There are several ways that microorganisms enter the urine. Before treatment, it is very important to examine and accurately determine the type of bacteria and the route of entry. This can be determined by biological culture of urine, when bacteria are placed in a favorable habitat. Next, the reaction of bacteria to various antibiotics is checked.

We wish you to always remain healthy. Take care of yourself, wash your hands regularly, protect your body from harmful bacteria!

BACTERIA

BACTERIA, simple unicellular microscopic organisms belonging to the kingdom Prokaryotae (prokaryotes). They do not have a clearly defined nucleus; most of them lack CHLOROPHYLL. Many of them are mobile and swim using whip-like flagella. They reproduce primarily by division. Under unfavorable conditions, many of them are able to be preserved inside spores, which have high resistance due to dense protective shells. They are divided into AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC. Although pathogenic bacteria are the cause of most human diseases, many of them are harmless or even beneficial to humans, since they form an important link in the FOOD CHAIN; for example, they contribute to the processing of plant and animal tissues, the conversion of nitrogen and sulfur into AMINO ACIDS and other compounds that can be used by plants and animals. Some bacteria contain chlorophyll and participate in PHOTOSYNTHESIS. see also ARCHAEBACTERIA, EUBACTERIA, PROKARYOTES.

Bacteria exist in three main forms and types: spherical (A), called cocci, rod-shaped (bacillus, B) and spiral (spirilla, C). Cocci occur in the form of lumps (staphylococci, 1), pairs of two (diplococci, 2) or chains (streptococci, 3). Unlike cocci, which are unable to move, bacilli move freely; some of them, called peritrichia, are equipped with many flagella (4) and can swim, and monotrichium forms (5, see in the figure below) have only one flagellum. Bacilli can also form spores (6) in order to survive a period of unfavorable conditions SPIRILLA can have a corkscrew shape, such as the spirochete Leplospira (7), or can be slightly curved, with flagella, such as Spirillum (8). Images are given with a magnification of x 5000

Bacteria do not have a nucleus; instead they have a nucleoid (1), a single loop of DNA. It contains genes, chemically encoded programs that determine the structure of the bacterium. On average, bacteria have 3,000 genes (compared to 100,000 in humans). The cytoplasm (2) also contains glycogen granules (food) (3) and ribosomes (4), which give the cytoplasm a granular appearance and serve to produce protein. In many bacteria, it also contains tiny genetic elements called plasmids. Most bacteria, but not all, have rigid protective cell walls (B). They come in two main types. The first type has one thick (10-50 nm) layers. Bacteria with this cell type are called Gram-positive because they stain bright purple using Gram dye. Gram-negative bacteria have been shown to have thinner walls (1) with an additional layer of proteins and lipids on the outside (2). This type of cell does not stain purple. This difference in properties is used in medicine. The body's defense cells recognize bacteria precisely by their walls. The cell membrane (3) surrounds the cytoplasm. It is only a few molecules of proteins and lipids thick and is a barrier through which a living cell controls the entry and exit of various substances. Some bacteria move (C) using flagella (1), which are rotated by a hook (2). The energy for movement is provided by the flow of protons through the cell membrane (3), which DRIVES a disk of protein molecules (4) located in the membrane into motion. A rod (5) connects this protein “rotor” to the hook via another disc (6), which seals the cell wall.

Before the development of effective sanitation systems and the discovery of antibiotics, epidemics of serious diseases caused by bacteria swept through Europe again and again. The symptoms of many bacterial diseases are caused by the action of toxic proteins (called toxins) that are produced by bacteria. The botulinum toxin, produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum (which causes food poisoning), is one of the most powerful poisons known today. The tetanus toxin, produced by the related Clostridium tetani (1), infects deep and contaminated wounds. When a nerve impulse (2) causes tension in a muscle cell, the toxin blocks the relaxing part of the signal and the muscles remain tense (this is why the disease is called tetanus). In developed countries, most killer bacteria are now under control, tuberculosis is rare and diphtheria is not a serious problem. However, in developing countries, bacterial diseases are still taking their toll.

Scientific and technical encyclopedic dictionary.

See what "BACTERIA" is in other dictionaries:

Escherichia coli ... Wikipedia

BACTERIA- BACTERIA. Contents:* General morphology of bacteria.......6 70 Degeneration of bacteria............675 Biology of bacteria......676 Bacilli acidophilus .......... 677 Pigment-forming bacteria.......681 Luminous bacteria..... .......682… … Great Medical Encyclopedia

- (from the Greek bakterion rod), microorganisms with a prokaryotic type of cell structure. Traditionally, Bacteria proper refers to unicellular rods and cocci, or those united in organized groups, immobile or with flagella, contrasting... ... Biological encyclopedic dictionary

- (from the Greek bakterion rod) a group of microscopic, predominantly unicellular organisms. They belong to prenuclear forms of prokaryotes. The basis of the modern classification of bacteria, according to which all bacteria are divided into eubacteria (Gram-negative... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

Group of unicellular microscope, organisms. Together with blue-green algae, B. represent the kingdom and superkingdom of prokaryotes (see), the swarm consists of types (divisions) of photobacteria (photosynthetic) and scotobacteria (chemosynthetic). Type… … Dictionary of microbiology

- (from the Greek bakteria stick). Microscopic single-celled organisms, mostly rod-shaped. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910. BACTERIA Greek, from bakteria, stick. Genus of fireweeds... ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

Modern encyclopedia

bacteria- microorganisms with a prokaryotic type of cell structure, i.e. there is no nuclear envelope, no real nucleus; die from exposure to sunlight; have a sense of smell. cocci are spherical bacteria. diplococci. micrococci. streptococci. staphylococcus... ... Ideographic Dictionary of the Russian Language

Bacteria- (from the Greek bakterion rod), a group of microscopic predominantly single-celled organisms. They have a cell wall, but do not have a clearly defined nucleus. They reproduce by division. According to the shape of the cells, bacteria can be spherical (cocci),... ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

- (from the Greek bakterion rod), a group of microscopic unicellular organisms. Based on the type of respiration they are divided into aerobic and anaerobic, and based on the type of nutrition into autotrophic and heterotrophic. Participate in the cycle of substances in nature, performing the function... ... Ecological dictionary

The emergence of life is the main question that has always worried intelligent humanity. The answers to it changed as often as a person’s idea of ​​the world order. At the same time, both versions about the divine nature of life and assumptions that life is born on its own could coexist: throw a rag into the corner of a hut - and after some time mice will be born from this rag. To be fair, it is worth noting that the end to this issue has not been reached today. Moreover, modern science cannot even answer the question of what life is. But what natural scientists are unanimous about is that, most likely, the very first organic creatures on planet Earth were the first bacteria.

Study problems

Accepting that organic life developed from the simplest single-celled organism, which cannot be seen with every microscope, is not an easy decision. Even modern society is not quite ready to abandon the idea of ​​the presence of God’s providence and take full responsibility for what is happening solely on itself, and in earlier centuries such ideas were called heresy and sedition.

Ethical and cultural aspects of social life have always influenced the speed and direction of scientific and technological progress (and this influence has not always been negative). But, in addition to ethical problems, there are also objective difficulties that do not allow us to dot all the i’s in matters of the appearance of the first living organisms.

There are suggestions that the very first autotrophic bacteria appeared on Earth in the first hundred million years of the planet’s existence.

So far, this hypothesis can neither be confirmed nor refuted. There are several reasons for this uncertainty:

1. The oldest sedimentary deposits found today were formed 3.9 billion years ago, they already contain .
2. The lack of opportunity to study later rocks suggests that they may also contain traces of bacteria.

It appears that the question of when and how many years ago organic molecules began to copy themselves, using energy obtained from the environment, is postponed until the discovery of geological objects with an age that is as close as possible to the age of the planet.

How they appeared

If we abstract from when the very first prokaryotes appeared and ask the question of how they appeared, you can learn a lot of interesting things about what organic earthly life is based on.

The answer lies in those first processes that arose in the lifeless and poisonous, by modern standards, waters of the primary ocean.

Modern bacteria, which are being studied for the purpose of treating humans, feeding them, and removing their waste, have nothing to do with the first bacteria that lived on Earth.

For example, today it is being actively studied, which has infected more than half of the world's population and is the cause of peptic ulcers of the stomach and duodenum.

In search of tools to treat this disease, biologists worked on the hypothesis that the first people were infected with this disease at one time. However, recent data have shown that it was humans who became the first reservoir for Pylori. Further infection of animals occurred as a result of contact between the latter and humans.

This information is of great value for the treatment of ulcers, because by understanding the evolutionary paths of ulcer bacteria, it is much easier to develop comprehensive treatment and preventive measures.

In addition to studying living bacterial cultures, microbiologists and pharmacists are trying to create artificial microorganisms that can also solve problems of diagnosing and treating human diseases.

Today, the possibilities of artificial bacteria created on the basis of ordinary E. coli to diagnose cancer and diabetes are being explored. Detection of these diseases in the early stages helps to achieve high results in treatment.

However, one must understand that an artificial bacterium is not a microorganism created from synthetic materials. A synthetic bacterium is an ordinary bacterium in which certain changes are made to its genetic code.

Jpeg" alt="Dirty tap water" width="300" height="199" srcset="" data-srcset="https://probakterii.ru/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Grjaznaja-voda-iz-krana-300x199..jpeg 640w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px"> Так, например, та же синтетическая кишечная палочка, благодаря изменению ДНК искусственным путем, при повышении сахара в крови диабетика начинает вырабатывать флуоресцирующий белок, который, попадая в мочу больного, сразу проявляет себя на специальных биохимических тестах.!}

Despite the promise of developments in the field of creating synthetic bacteria necessary for the treatment and diagnosis of humans, these scientific developments are very dangerous.

Many public institutions are calling on developers of innovations to create artificial bacteria to refuse to patent their developments, since modern science cannot yet answer the question of what will happen if synthetic bacteria become part of the natural planet.

And it is almost impossible to track the moment of penetration of artificial bacteria into the natural environment.

They surround us everywhere. Many of them are very necessary and useful for humans, but many, on the contrary, cause terrible diseases.
Do you know what forms bacteria come in? How do they reproduce? What do they eat? Do you want to know?
.site) will help you find in this article.

Shapes and sizes of bacteria

Bacteria are not at all large, their sizes range from half to five micrometers. The largest bacterium measures seven hundred and fifty micrometers. After the discovery of nanobacteria, it turned out that their size is much smaller than scientists previously imagined. However, to date, nanobacteria have not been well studied. Some scientists even doubt their existence.

Aggregates and multicellular organisms

How do they move?

Nutrition

Reproduction

Bacteria undoubtedly deserve your attention not only because they cause many diseases. These microorganisms were the first living beings to inhabit our planet. The history of bacteria on Earth goes back almost four billion years! The most ancient cyanobacteria existing today are cyanobacteria; they appeared three and a half billion years ago.

You can experience the beneficial properties of bacteria for yourself thanks to the specialists of the Tiens Corporation, who have developed for you

Bacteria are the smallest ancient microorganisms invisible to the naked eye. Only under a microscope can one examine their structure, appearance and interaction with each other. The first microorganisms had a primitive structure; they developed, mutated, created colonies, and adapted to a changing environment. exchange amino acids with each other, which are necessary for growth and development.

Types of bacteria

School biology textbooks contain images of different types of bacteria, differing in shape:

1. Cocci are spherical organisms that differ in their relative positions. Under a microscope, it is noticeable that streptococci form a chain of balls, diplococci live in pairs, and staphylococci live in randomly shaped clusters. A number of cocci cause various inflammatory processes when they enter the human body (gonococcus, staphylococcus, streptococcus). Not all cocci living in the human body are pathogenic. Conditionally pathogenic species take part in the formation of the body’s defenses against external influences and are safe if the balance of the flora is maintained.
2. Rod-shaped ones differ in shape, size and ability to form spores. Spore-forming species are called bacilli. The bacilli include: tetanus bacillus, anthrax bacillus. Spores are formations inside a microorganism. The spores are insensitive to chemical treatment, their resistance to external influences is the key to preserving the species. It is known that spores are destroyed at high temperatures (above 120ºC).

Shapes of rod-shaped microbes:

• with pointed poles, like fusobacterium, which is part of the normal microflora of the upper respiratory tract;
• with thickened poles resembling a club, like corynebacterium - the causative agent of diphtheria;
• with rounded ends, such as those of E. coli, which are necessary for the digestion process;
• with straight ends, like the anthrax bacillus.

Gram(+) and gram(-)

Danish microbiologist Hans Gram conducted an experiment more than 100 years ago, after which all bacteria began to be classified as gram-positive and gram-negative. Gram-positive organisms create a long-term stable bond with the coloring substance, which is enhanced by exposure to iodine. Gram-negative, on the contrary, are not susceptible to the dye, their shell is firmly protected.

Gram-negative microbes include chlamydia, rickettsia, and gram-positive microbes include staphylococci, streptococci, and corynebacteria.

Today in medicine the test for gram(+) and gram(-) bacteria is widely used. is one of the methods for studying mucous membranes to determine the composition of the microflora.

Aerobic and anaerobic

How do bacteria live

Biologists define bacteria as a separate kingdom; they are different from other living things. It is a single-celled organism without a nucleus inside. Their shape can be in the form of a ball, cone, stick, or spiral. Prokaryotes use flagella to move.

Biofilm is a city for microorganisms and goes through several stages of formation:

• Adhesion or sorption is the attachment of a microorganism to a surface. As a rule, films are formed at the interface of two media: liquid and air, liquid and liquid. The initial stage is reversible and film formation can be prevented.
• Fixation - bacteria release polymers, ensuring their strong fixation, forming a matrix for strength and protection.
• Maturation - microbes merge, exchange nutrients, and microcolonies develop.
• Growth stage - bacteria accumulate, merge, and are displaced. The number of microorganisms ranges from 5 to 35%, the rest of the space is occupied by the intercellular matrix.
• Dispersion - microorganisms periodically detach from the film, attach to other surfaces and form a biofilm.

The processes that occur in a biofilm are different from what happens to a microbe that is not part of the colony. Colonies are stable, microbes organize a unified system of behavioral reactions, determining the interaction of members inside the matrix and outside the film. Human mucous membranes are inhabited by a large number of microorganisms that produce a gel for protection and ensure the stability of the functioning of organs. An example is the gastric mucosa. It is known that Helicobacter pylori, which is considered the cause of gastric ulcers, is present in more than 80% of examined people, but not everyone develops peptic ulcers. It is assumed that Helicobacter pylori, being members of the colony, is involved in digestion. Their ability to cause harm manifests itself only after certain conditions are created.

The interaction of bacteria in biofilms is still poorly understood. But today, some microbes have become human assistants when carrying out restoration work and increasing the strength of coatings. In Europe, manufacturers of disinfectants offer to treat surfaces with bacterial solutions containing safe microorganisms that prevent the development of pathogenic flora. Bacteria are used to create polymer compounds and will also eventually generate electricity.