Bacteria Information

Also known as Monerans

Definition / Characteristics• Unicellular (one-celled) • Prokaryote (no nucleus)• Some are good and some are bad • Some are autotrophs (make their own food)

and some are heterotrophs (eat food)

2 Kingdoms of bacteria

All bacteria fit in one of these kingdoms:

Archaebacteria

Eubacteria

Helpful• Break down organisms• They change nitrogen to a form that plants

can use• They help make food like yogurt, cheese, and

sour cream• Make medicines

Helpful• Makes cleaners and glue• Help clean up oil spills (process called

bioremediation)• Help break down food in our digestive system• Help to make vitamins

Harmful

• Spoils food (like milk)• Give us diseases like strep throat and lymes

disease• Produce toxins (poisons)

What can we do to reduce the amount of bacteria in our lives?

sterilization

Using high temperatures to kill themEx. wash your hands with hot water

Freezing and refrigeration

Bacteria cannot survive in very low temperatures for a long period of time

pasteurization

Heated and then cooled and kept at cool temperatures

Examples : milk and fruit juice are pasteurized

dehydration

Removal of water (most bacteria need some moisture to survive)

Vacuum packed

Air is taken out so bacteria can’t grow

disinfectants

Special chemicals that kill bacteria

Examples:Bleach LysolSoap

antisepticA disinfectant that can be used on people to kill

bacteria so your wound does not get infectedEx. Neosporin

Hydrogen peroxideRubbing alcohol

antibiotic

A doctor prescribes one – type of medicine that kills the bacteria making you sick

Ex. penicillin

vaccines

Given to prevent getting a diseaseWeak or dead bacteria put into your body so

your body can get immune to it