Question

Do bacteria have a chromosome?

Answer 1

Chromosomes:

1. Chromosomes are thread-like structures present in each and every biological organism that houses the genetic material DNA.
2. These have several proteins and condensed DNA molecules in compact packaging formed during cell division.
3. Different organisms have different sets of chromosomes, for example, humans have 23 pairs or 46 chromosomes.

Bacteria:

1. These are simple unicellular organisms that lack a well-defined nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
2. Bacteria and archaea belong to prokaryotes.
3. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Lactobacillus etc. are some examples of bacteria.
4. Bacteria have chromosomes present as a distinct cytoplasmic structure called the nucleoid.
5. Bacteria lack a nucleus and instead have protein-coated DNA suspended in the cytoplasm.
6. These chromosomes are usually circular like in Vibrio, Rhodobacter etc. but can also be linear in some bacteria like in Streptomyces.
7. Bacteria unlike humans have only one set of chromosomes.