What is bacteria?

• Bacteria are microscopic living organisms, usually single-celled, that can be found everywhere.
• They are a few micrometres in length.
• Bacteria are classified into 5 groups according to their basic shapes: spherical (cocci), rod (bacilli), spiral (spirilla), comma (vibrios), or corkscrew (spirochaetes). They can exist as single cells, in pairs, chains or clusters.
• They are of different types depending upon their habitat.
• Bacteria were among the first life forms to appear on Earth, and are present in most of its habitats.
• They can be dangerous, such as when they cause infection.
• They can also be beneficial, as in the process of fermentation (such as in wine) and that of decomposition.
• Example: Cyanobacteria, Acetobacter, etc.

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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