Bacteria vs. Archea

Bacteria vs. Archea

A) Classification of Bacteria and Archea

• Classification based on – Shape– Nutrition– Movement– Genetic components– DNA comparison– Gram Stain (for bacteria only)

B) Bacteria vs. Archea Summary

Shape Cell wall Nutrition Habitat Reproduction Survival Tactics

Bacteria Cocci- spherical

Bacilli – rod

Spiral shape

With Peptidoglycan

Autotrophs (phtosynthesis)

Heterotrophs (predation)

Mostly mesophiles

Binary fission

Conjugation

Endospores

Archea Cocci- spherical

Bacilli – rod

Spiral shape

Withoutpeptidoglycan

Autotrophs (methanogenesis)

Heterotrophs (predation)

Someextremophiles

Binary fission

Conjugation

Shapes• Shapes:

– Cocci• spherical

– Bacilli • rod

– Spiral shape

• Aggregation:– Tendency to

group together

C) The importance of Peptidoglycan

• Peptidoglycan• Chain-link combination of alternating animo acids

and sugars• Gives rigidity to the cell wall

• Link to Penicillin• Penicillin affects the final formation of

peptidoglycan– binds to the molecule and stops the cell wall construction

(destroying the bacteria)

D) The importance of the Gram Stain

• Bacteria only– Pink stain

• Gram –– Majority of bacteria– Thin protein layer on this wall

– Purple stain• Gram +

– Thick protein layer on their cell wall

• Information used in determining which antibiotics to use

E) Reproduction of Archea and Bacteria

• Binary fission:– Result:

• cells with the same genetic material

– Process: • Makes copies of its single chromosome• Cell elongates• Builds a partition (septum)

F) In less optimal conditions…

1. Conjugation– Ability to exchange

DNA

– Results in cells with new genetic material

2. Endospores (bacteria only)– Creation of a hard walled structure that

protect the genetic material• Resistant to high temperatures, freezing, drying,

toxic chemicals and radiation

– Results in bacteria being able to remain dormant for very long periods of time

G) Archea and biotechnology

• Archea are currently used for:1. Sewage treatment2. Archeaocin (new antibiotics)3. Enzyme production

• Due to the extreme conditions they inhabit• Low lactose milk• Cloning DNA

H) Bacteria in Biotechnology

• Bacteria are currently used for– Food Production

• Cheese, yogurt