Bacteria Information Also known as Monerans

Definition / Characteristics Unicellular (one-celled) Prokaryote (no nucleus) Some are good and some are bad Some are autotrophs (make their own food) and some are heterotrophs (eat food)

All bacteria fit in one of these kingdoms: 2 Kingdoms of bacteria All bacteria fit in one of these kingdoms: Archaebacteria Eubacteria

Helpful Break down organisms They change nitrogen to a form that plants can use They help make food like yogurt, cheese, and sour cream Make medicines

Helpful Makes cleaners and glue Help clean up oil spills (process called bioremediation) Help break down food in our digestive system Help to make vitamins

Harmful Spoils food (like milk) Give us diseases like strep throat and lymes disease Produce toxins (poisons)

What can we do to reduce the amount of bacteria in our lives?

sterilization Using high temperatures to kill them Ex. wash your hands with hot water

Freezing and refrigeration Bacteria cannot survive in very low temperatures for a long period of time

pasteurization Heated and then cooled and kept at cool temperatures Examples : milk and fruit juice are pasteurized

dehydration Removal of water (most bacteria need some moisture to survive)

Vacuum packed Air is taken out so bacteria can’t grow

disinfectants Special chemicals that kill bacteria Examples: Bleach Lysol Soap

antiseptic A disinfectant that can be used on people to kill bacteria so your wound does not get infected Ex. Neosporin Hydrogen peroxide Rubbing alcohol

antibiotic A doctor prescribes one – type of medicine that kills the bacteria making you sick Ex. penicillin

vaccines Given to prevent getting a disease Weak or dead bacteria put into your body so your body can get immune to it