Harmful bacteria
Some bacteria can cause
serious illnesses such as
cholera and tetanus. Good
sanitation and antibiotic
drugs help fight diseases
caused by harmful bacteria.
Most living things are
made up of just one cell,
and are too small to see.
To study them we must
use powerful microscopes.
Micro life
How many copies can a single bacterium make of itself in 24 hours?
The living world
152
Bacteria may be shaped like
rods, spirals, or spheres.
Good bacteria
Some bacteria are helpful
to humans. Bacteria in
our guts protect us from
illnesses. Other bacteria are
used to make foods such as
yoghurt and cheese.
Bacteria
Bacteria are single-celled
life forms. They are found
in the ocean, in the air, and
even in our bodies. They can
reproduce very quickly by
splitting in two. Some bacteria
can make energy from
sunlight. However, most feed
on dead plants and animals.
Thin hairs attach
the bacterium to
a surface.
Model of a bacterium
Petri dish
Bacterial colonies
The bacterium’s
DNA code is held
in the nucleus.
The cell wall holds
the bacterium
together and
protects it.
The cell is full of a
jelly-like substance
that helps it to
work and grow.
Whip-like structures
push the bacterium
along. They spin
round like screws.
Each spot on
this petri dish is
a colony made
up of thousands
of bacteria.
