Structure/functions of
bacteria
bacteria
This term describes organisms, such as bacteria, that lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
What is a prokaryote?
Because bacteria reproduce so quickly—some in as little as 20 minutes—a single "mistake" or change in their DNA can spread to millions of offspring in just one day.
What is Rapid Reproduction?
When an environment changes, the bacteria with the best traits survive and reproduce; this is known as "Survival of the..."
What is the Fittest?
These are the medicines used to kill or slow down the growth of harmful bacteria.
What are antibiotics?
Using these alcohol-based cleaners or washing with soap helps stop evolution because it kills almost all bacteria before they can develop a "defense."
What are Hand Sanitizers?
This is the tough outer layer that provides protection and gives bacteria their specific shape.
What is the cell wall?
These are random, permanent changes in a bacterium's DNA sequence that can accidentally give it a new trait, like the ability to survive in a hot environment.
What are Mutations?
Bacteria can evolve much faster than humans because they have a very short __ __.
What is a generation time (or life cycle)?
If you stop taking your medicine early, these "tougher" bacteria are left behind to multiply.
What are resistant bacteria?
This four-letter acronym describes a common type of staph bacteria that has evolved to resist the medicine usually used to kill it, often causing "staph infections" in hospitals.
What is MRSA?
Since bacteria don't have a nucleus, their genetic information is found in this tangled, spaghetti-like region of the cell.
What is the Nucleoid?
Since bacteria reproduce asexually, the offspring are usually exact genetic copies of the parent; this term describes a group of bacteria that are all genetically identical.
What is a Clone?
This two-word term describes how nature "selects" which bacteria live based on their environment.
What is natural selection?
Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria, which means they are completely useless against this other type of germ.
What is a virus?
To spread to new hosts and continue evolving, bacteria can trigger a sneeze that travels up to 100 miles per hour, launching droplets into the air for others to breathe in.
What is a Sneeze?
This thin, flexible layer sits just inside the cell wall and controls which nutrients enter the cell and which waste products leave.
What is the Cell Membrane?
While most mutations are harmful or useless, this is the term for a mutation that actually helps a bacterium survive a threat, such as a new type of antibiotic medicine.
What is an Adaptation? (or Beneficial Mutation)
Within a population, not all bacteria are the same; this "mix" of different traits is called genetic __.
What is variation?
This occurs when humans use antibiotics when they aren't needed, making the overall bacterial population stronger.
What is overuse (or selective pressure)?
Often found in yogurt, this "good" Lactobacillus bacteria has evolved a mutualistic relationship with humans, helping us digest food and fighting off "bad" germs in our gut.
What is a Probiotic?
These small, circular loops of DNA are separate from the main genetic material and often carry "special powers," like the instructions for antibiotic resistance.
What are Plasmids?
Unlike humans, who need two parents, bacteria use this type of reproduction that requires only one parent and results in no genetic variety—unless a mutation occurs.
What is Asexual Reproduction?
A mutation that helps a bacterium survive in a deadly environment is called this type of mutation.
What is a beneficial mutation?
Using these products in our homes—like sprays or soaps labeled "antibacterial"—can accidentally help stronger bacteria survive and evolve while killing off the harmless ones.
What are Disinfectants (or Antibacterial Products)?
This common food safety practice uses high heat to kill bacteria like E. coli, though some bacteria are evolving higher heat tolerance.
what is pasterazation?