What is Bacteria?

Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that are found in almost every environment on Earth. They are among the oldest and most diverse forms of life, and they play important roles in many ecological processes. Bacteria can be found in soil, water, air, and in and on the bodies of plants and animals, including humans.

Bacteria are classified as prokaryotes, which means they lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. They are typically much smaller than eukaryotic cells, which are the type of cells found in animals and plants. Bacteria can vary in shape, size, and colour, and they can reproduce rapidly by dividing into two daughter cells.

Bacteria can be grouped into two main categories: pathogenic bacteria, which can cause disease in humans and other animals, and non-pathogenic bacteria, which do not cause disease. Some pathogenic bacteria can cause serious illnesses, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and meningitis, while others can cause more minor infections, such as a sore throat or a urinary tract infection. Non-pathogenic bacteria are often beneficial to humans, as they can help to break down organic matter, produce food products such as cheese and yoghurt, and protect against pathogenic bacteria.

Bacteria can be studied and classified using a variety of techniques, including microscopy.

The majority of microorganisms are not hazardous. Some are even beneficial to your health. These beneficial bacteria can be found primarily on your skin or in your stomach or digestive system. They are known as resident flora or your microbiome, and they are groups of bacteria that live in and on your body. Gut bacteria keep you healthy by absorbing nutrients, digesting food, and preventing dangerous bacteria from growing.