Bacteria âš¡ Trusted

Your body hosts trillions of bacteria that help digest food, produce vitamins (like B and K), and train your immune system.

Unlike animal or plant cells, bacteria are . They lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Their structure typically includes: bacteria

A protective layer made of peptidoglycan (a mix of sugars and amino acids). Your body hosts trillions of bacteria that help

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). Their structure typically includes: A protective layer made

A tangled loop of DNA that contains their genetic instructions.

We use bacteria to make food (yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut), treat sewage, and even produce medicines like insulin. 3. The Bad: Pathogens

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