Bacteria are microscopic prokaryotes that exist practically
everywhere on Earth, even within our bodies.
How would you describe them?
They come in many shapes and can sometimes move around by
using a long hair (relative to the size of the bacterium), known as a flagellum, as a whip. The most
common forms of bacteria are rods, spheres and, strands.
How about the inside?
Since bacteria are prokaryotes, their genetic material is
not surrounded by a membrane. Bacteria basically just have genetic material and
ribosomes for making proteins. Some can also make their own energy through photosynthesis
or digesting chemicals around them.
How did they change the world?
Scientists believe that bacteria evolved three and a half
billion years ago, during the time there was little oxygen. Bacteria helped
life as we know exist today by filling the atmosphere with oxygen through photosynthesis.
Anything else we should know?
Bacteria can both be helpful by helping us digest our food,
or harmful by causing certain diseases. Antibiotics can be used to kill harmful
bacteria while leaving the good bacteria unharmed. Because of bacteria being so
simple, mutation isn't really hard for them.
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