Bacteria vs Archea Bacteria vs Archea A Classification

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 Bacteria Shape Cell wall Cocci- spherical With Peptidogly can Bacilli – rod Cocci- spherical Bacilli – rod Spiral shape Autotrophs (phtosynthesis) Habitat Mostly mesophiles Reproduction Survival Tactics Binary fission Conjugation Endospores Heterotrophs (predation) Spiral shape Archea Nutrition Without peptidogly can Autotrophs (methanogenesis) Heterotrophs (predation) Some extremophiles Binary fission Conjugation

Shapes • Shapes: – Cocci • spherical – Bacilli • rod – Spiral shape • Aggregation: – Tendency to group together

C) The importance of 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 treatment 2. 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