Question

Explain the Structure of bacteria ?

Answer 1

Structure of bacteria:

Cell Wall:

1. Cell walls of bacteria are made up of glycoprotein murein.
2. The main function of the cell wall is it helps in providing support, mechanical strength and rigidity to the cell.
3. It protects cells from bursting in a hypotonic medium.
   

Plasma Membrane:

1. It is also known as a cytoplasmic membrane (or) cell membrane.
2. It is composed of phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates, forming a fluid mosaic.
3. It helps in the transportation of substances including the removal of wastes from the body.
4. It helps in providing a mechanical barrier to the cell.
5. Plasma membrane acts as a semi-permeable membrane, allowing only selected material to move inside and outside the cell.
   

Cytoplasm:

1. Helps in cellular growth, metabolism, and replication.
2. Cytoplasm is the storehouse of all the chemicals and components used to sustain a bacterium's life.
   

Ribosome:

1. A tiny granule made up of RNA and proteins.
2. They are the site of protein synthesis.
3. They are free-floating structures that help in transferring the genetic code.
   

Plasmid:

1. Plasmids are a small circle of DNA.
2. Bacterial cells have many plasmids.
3. Plasmids are used to exchange DNA between bacterial cells.
   

Flagella:

1. This is a rigid rotating tail.
2. It helps the cell move clockwise and anticlockwise forward and also helps the cell spin.
   The rotation is powered by an H+ gradient across the cell membrane.
   

Pili:

1. Short protein appendages.
2. Smaller than flagella.
3. Fixes bacteria to surfaces.
4. It also helps in reproduction during conjugation.
   

Capsule:

1. Capsule is a kind of slime layer, which covers the outside of the cell wall.
2. They are composed of a thick polysaccharide.
3. It is used to stick cells together and works as a food reserve.
4. It protects the cell from dryness and from chemicals.