Bacteria are the plural of bacterium, which are microscopic one-celled organisms. They are found everywhere and can be harmful, as in types of beer names infections, or they can be beneficial, as in fermentation or decomposition.
The three main bacteria shapes are coccus, bacillus and spiral. Keep reading for examples of bacteria in each of these three types. Coccus bacteria, or cocci, are sphere or oval-shaped bacteria that grow in chains or clusters. Bacillus is Latin for “stick,” which describes the rod-like shape of this type of bacteria. Bacteria from the genus Bacillus are primarily found in soil and water, and the most well-known example is E.
Rod-Shaped Bacteria That Ferment Food While some rod-shaped bacteria can make you very sick, other types can bring your food to the perfect ripeness. Take a look at these bacteria examples that ripen and ferment your food. Rickettsia Examples Bacteria from the genus Rickettsia are primarily rod-shaped, though some can be spherical like cocci. Rickettsia bacteria are transmitted by regional parasites, such as lice, ticks or fleas. They behave like viruses and can’t live outside living cells.
Spiral-Shaped Bacteria Spiral-shaped bacteria are primarily found in standing water. Like Rickettsia bacteria, some types of spiral bacteria are carried by ticks. Take a look at these examples of bacteria in spiral shapes. Mycoplasma Bacteria Some bacteria have no cell walls, which makes it difficult to classify their shapes as spherical, rod-shaped or spiral. Mycoplasma bacteria are resistant to many antibiotics due to their lack of cell walls, and are the smallest form of bacterial cells.
Living in Balance With Bacteria Now you have seen lots of different examples of bacteria, the types of bacteria and some of the things that bacteria can do. If you’re interested in learning more about common bacteria, take a look at these five common eubacteria examples. 5 Common Eubacteria Examples Bacteria are everywhere. Explore one of the largest groups of true bacteria by looking at eubacteria examples. Learn more about 5 common eubacteria examples like E. If you are confused as to what an infectious disease is or how it is spread, you have come to the right place.