logo

Video encyclopedia

Bacteria

6:49

The Immune System Explained I – Bacteria Infection

0:16

Bacteria Growth

7:39

How Bacteria Rule Over Your Body – The Microbiome

9:07

Microbiology - Bacteria (Structure)

7:59

Viruses and Bacteria: What's the difference and who cares anyway? - Plain and Simple

Bacteria are a type of biological cell. They constitute a large domain of prokaryotic microorganisms. Typically a few micrometres in length, bacteria have a number of shapes, ranging from spheres to rods and spirals. Bacteria were among the first life forms to appear on Earth, and are present in most of its habitats. Bacteria inhabit soil, water, acidic hot springs, radioactive waste, and the deep portions of Earth's crust. Bacteria also live in symbiotic and parasitic relationships with plants and animals. Most bacteria have not been characterised, and only about half of the bacterial phyla have species that can be grown in the laboratory. The study of bacteria is known as bacteriology, a branch of microbiology.
  • Etymology 

  • Origin and early evolution 

  • Morphology 

  • Cellular structure 

  • Metabolism 

  • Growth and reproduction 

  • Genetics 

  • Behaviour 

  • Classification and identification 

  • Interactions with other organisms 

  • Significance in technology and industry 

  • History of bacteriology