Question

What type of cell is bacteria?

Answer 1

Prokaryotic cell:

1. In a prokaryotic cell, there is no true nucleus.
2. The genetic material is suspended freely in the cell which is also called the nucleoid.
3. The prokaryotic cell lacks membrane-bound organelles such as the Endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and Golgi apparatus.

Prokaryotic cell contains:

1. Cell wall: The outer protective covering protects the bacteria and gives a shape to the prokaryotic cell.
2. Cytoplasm: The jelly-like substance of a prokaryotic cell is composed of water, other cellular components such as enzymes, proteins, and salts
3. Nucleoid: Inside the prokaryotic cell genetic material (DNA) is not surrounded by any membrane, thus called the nucleoid
4. Plasmid: The prokaryotic cell also contains an autonomously self-replicating extra-chromosomal DNA which is mainly associated with providing resistance to bacteria and, helping in conjugation
5. Ribosome: The only cellular organelles present inside the prokaryotic cell is the ribosome (composed of RNA and protein). Prokaryotic cells possess 70S ribosome composed of 30S smaller unit and 50S larger unit.

Bacteria:

1. Bacteria is a prokaryotic cell.
2. Bacteria are microscopic living organisms and are found in all environments.
3. They vary in size, shape, as well as the effect produced on other organisms such as humans.
4. They show the asexual method of reproduction, by binary fission or budding.
5. They have the following cellular coverings from inside to outside - cell membrane, cell wall, and sometimes capsule.
6. Bacteria may have different shapes, such as bacilli, cocci, vibrio, and spirillum.

Example: Vibrio cholerae, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus thermophilus.