Bacteria 🎉 💫

A small percentage of bacteria are that cause disease by releasing toxins or damaging tissues. Famous examples include E. coli , Streptococcus , and Staphylococcus . These are typically treated with antibiotics , which work by disrupting the bacteria's ability to build cell walls or reproduce. 4. Evolution and Resistance

A tangled loop of DNA that contains their genetic instructions. bacteria

We use bacteria to make food (yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut), treat sewage, and even produce medicines like insulin. 3. The Bad: Pathogens A small percentage of bacteria are that cause

Bacteria are nature’s recyclers. They break down dead organic matter and "fix" nitrogen in the soil, which plants need to grow. These are typically treated with antibiotics , which

Bacteria reproduce through (splitting in two). Because they reproduce so quickly—some species every 20 minutes—they evolve rapidly. This has led to the global challenge of antibiotic resistance , where "superbugs" evolve defenses against the drugs designed to kill them. 5. Shapes and Classification Scientists often classify bacteria by their shape: Cocci: Spheres (e.g., strep throat). Bacilli: Rods (e.g., anthrax). Spirilla: Spirals (e.g., cholera).

Bacteria are among the oldest and most successful life forms on Earth. These single-celled microorganisms are found everywhere—from deep-sea hydrothermal vents to the human gut—and play a critical role in maintaining the planet's ecosystems. 1. Anatomy and Structure

Tail-like structures for swimming and hair-like structures for sticking to surfaces. 2. The Good: Essential Life Support