Prokaryote Classification

Domains Bacteria and Archaea• Classified by Shape

– Cocci

– Bacilli

– Spirilla

Domains Bacteria and Archaea• Classified by Shape

– Vibrio

– Spirochete

Domains Bacteria and Archaea• Classified by Configuration

– Pairs

– Chains

– Clusters

Domains Bacteria and Archaea

• Gram Stain– Developed by

Hans Christian Gram in 1884

– Still used in laboratories as a “first step” in diagnostics

Domains Bacteria and Archaea

• Gram negative– Pink– Tend to be more

pathogenic (disease causing)

– Have a thinner cell wall

• Gram positive– Purple– Have a thicker cell wall

Reproduction of Prokaryotes

• Binary fission1. The DNA replicates and

attaches to cell membrane.2. The cell grows.3. The DNA copies separate,

cell grows larger.4. The cell splits into two

daughter cells.

Reproduction of Prokaryotes

• Endospores– A thick, protective

membrane formed when conditions are bad.

– Can survive boiling, freezing, drought, etc

– Will grow when conditions are favorable.

Prokaryotes in the Ecosystem

• Nitrogen Fixation• Recycling Nutrients• Cleaning up Pollution• Production of Medicines• Production of Food Products• Digestion of Food for Animals• Pathogenic Bacteria

Nitrogen Fixation

• All eukaryotes need nitrogen for basic cellular function.

• Nitrogen is a major component of proteins and DNA.

• Bacteria take nitrogen out of the air and convert it to a form plants can use.

Recycling Nutrients

• Decay is caused by bacteria and fungi.

• Organic matter is recycled into original elements by bacteria.

• Composted material important garden component

Cleaning up Pollution

• BIOREMEDIATION uses living things to change polluting chemicals into less harmful chemicals.– Mine tailings

– Oil spills

– Agricultural Waste

– Municipal Waste

Production of Medicines

• Genetically modified bacteria produce:– Antibiotics– Insulin– Anti-cancer drugs

Dangerous Bacteria

• PATHOGENIC bacteria cause diseases.

• These bacteria attack:– Animals

– Plants

– Protists

– Fungi

– Other bacteria!