Bacteria: Pathogens and Treatment

Bacteria: Pathogens and Disease

• Bacteria are single-celled prokaryotes
• Some bacteria are pathogenic (cause disease), affecting plants and animals.
• Other bacteria play vital roles in ecosystems (photosynthesis, recycling elements like carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sulfur, nitrogen fixation)

Defining Bacteria

• Microorganisms that are single-celled prokaryotes.

Examples of Bacterial Infections

• Salmonella (causes food poisoning, stomach cramps, diarrhea; prevention includes good kitchen hygiene and poultry vaccination in some countries).

Treating Bacterial Diseases

• Bacterial diseases can be treated with antibiotics, but they are becoming less effective due to antibiotic resistance.
• Research into new antibiotics is ongoing.

Bacteria vs. Viruses

• Bacteria are larger than viruses.
• Bacteria are living organisms, while viruses are non-living.
• Bacteria can survive and divide on their own, whereas viruses need a host cell to replicate.
• Antibiotics are effective against bacteria, but not against viruses.

How Bacteria Reproduce

• Bacteria reproduce asexually by binary fission.
  • Replicate their DNA
  • Divide into two cells
  • Each cell is an exact copy.

Bacterial Pathogens

• Pathogens are microorganisms that cause diseases.
• Some bacteria cause diseases by invading tissues or releasing toxins.
• There are also bacteria essential for preventing and treating diseases (e.g., gut bacteria aiding in digestion and vitamin production).

This quiz explores the role of bacteria in health and disease, highlighting pathogenic bacteria, examples of infections, and treatment methods. It also contrasts bacteria with viruses to understand their differences. Test your knowledge on the significance of bacteria in ecosystems and their impact on human health.