KEY CONCEPTS: A cell is the basic unit of life, as we understand it. Whilst the overall workings of all cells are very similar, there is no such thing as the conveniently termed ‘typical cell’ but cells within the two main groups of organisms, the prokaryotes (mainly bacteria) and the eukaryotes (higher animals and plants), have many chemical and physical features…
Bacteria are microscopic single-celled organisms that are all around us. They come in many different sizes and shapes, and this is a common way to classify them—by their morphology, or shape and appearance. The three basic shapes of bacteria are spherical, rod shaped and spiral. Spiral-shaped bacteria can be further categorized depending in part on how much spiraling…
From the tiniest bug, to the tallest oak tree, and largest mammal, DNA certainly gets around. What is so incredible about this molecule is its similarity in structure and composition in all living things. This article takes a peek inside cells to find out where DNA is found. Human Cells Nucleus DNA can be found inside the nucleus of every cell, apart from red blood…
They are as unrelated to human beings as living things can be, but bacteria are essential to human life and life on planet Earth. Although they are notorious for their role in causing human diseases, from tooth decay to the Black Plague, there are beneficial species that are essential to good health. For example, one species that lives symbiotically in the large intestine…
This may be why they are sometimes confused for one another. Here’s the information you need to help tell them apart. Bacterial Meningitis Bacterial meningitis is usually severe and can even be deadly. For example, though rare, meningococcal meningitis is a type of bacterial meningitis that can cause: Serious complications, such as amputations, scarring, and brain…
The oil dispersants being used in the Gulf of Mexico spill may help destroy the oil a little faster, but their primary purpose is to alter its destination so that the oil stays in the deep ocean rather than reaching the shore. Scientists don t know much about the oil s ultimate effect in the deep water, but most agree that it will have a much larger biological effect…
Bacteria are microscopic (very tiny) organisms that are unicellular (made up of a single cell). Bacterium is the term for a single bacteria. Evolution of Bacteria : These primitive organisms were among the first to appear on Earth; bacteria evolved roughly 3.5 billion years ago. The oldest-known fossils are those of bacteria-like organisms. Discovery of Bacteria:…
Bacteria Often dismissed as “germs” that cause illness, bacteria help us do an amazing array of useful things, like make vitamins, break down some types of garbage, and maintain our atmosphere. more Protista Plant-like algae produce much of the oxygen we breathe; animal-like protozoa (including the famous amoeba) help maintain the balance of microbial life. more Viruses…
The name protozoa means “first animals.” As the principal hunters and grazers of the microbial world, protozoa play a key role in maintaining the balance of bacterial, algal, and other microbial life. They also are themselves an important food source for larger creatures and the basis of many food chains. Protozoa have been found in almost every kind of soil environment…
Photosynthesis is a reaction that occurs when organisms convert energy from sunlight to chemical energy that can be stored as sugar for later use. Organisms such as plants, algae and some bacteria are capable of carrying out photosynthesis. These organisms create a critical biological process for all living things by releasing oxygen and taking in carbon dioxide…
Kinds of living organisms 1. The living space From 6, meters above the sea level to 200 meters below sea level, 2. Classifications of Biota Let s introduce some terms: Procaryote: A type of cell in which the nuclear substance is not enclosed within a membrane; e.g., a bacterium or cyanobacterium. Eucaryote: A cell that possesses a definitive or true nucleus. Aerobe:…
Using high magnification imaging, a team of researchers has identified several never before seen structures on bacteria that represent molecular machinery. The research is published this week in the Journal of Bacteriology , published by the American Society for Microbiology. The study drives home the point that a wealth of information remains to be discovered even…
In order to survive, organisms produce small molecules known as primary metabolites which help it to grow, develop and reproduce. Examples include nucleic acid used to make DNA, amino acids to make proteins, and simple sugars. Once the organism is established it will often start to produce secondary metabolites . Secondary metabolites are not vital for survival…
Microbiologists are the scientists who study microscopic organisms like bacteria, fungi, algae, etc. and their effects on other living organisms. Microbiology, as a separate field of biology focuses on studying the characteristics, growth and development of microorganisms both at the molecular and cellular level. It also involves the study of their ecology and their…
