Types/Shapes of Bacteria

Although there are many types of bacteria known to man, here are 3 common shapes of bacteria to show you the basics of how the bacteria can combine to make different shapes, and even make different illnesses using the same bacteria.

1. Spirillum - The Spiral Shaped bacteria (The one on the left)

2. Bacillus - The Rod Shaped Bacteria (The one in the middle)

3. Coccus - The Spherical Shaped Bacteria (The one on the right)

This little bacteria also known as a Spirillum Bacteria is different from the other 2 bacterias. Unlike them, they cannot combine together to form clusters are chains. Instead they are found seperately.

Note: 

• Bacteria found in chains have the prefix "Strepto" in front of the shape of bacteria. 
• Bacteria found in clusters have the prefix "Staphlo" in front of the shape of bacteria.

For example:

                     This is a Streptobacillus Bacteria

                       This is a Streptococcus Bacteria

                    This is a Staphlobacillus Bacteria

                       This is a Staphlococcus Bacteria


Now that you know some types/shapes of bacteria, here is a labelled diagram of a Typical Bacterium:

A - Plasma Membrane: The outermost layer of the cytoplasm and internal to the cell wall, constructed of protein globules, and transport material into/out of the cell. Similar to the Mitochondria found in Eukaryotic Cells.

B - Cell Wall:Made up of complex organic acids, it provides a rigid framework for the organism and helps determine it's shape.

C - Capsule: The storehouse for nutrients, a depot for cellular waste products ,and a shield of protection against dehydration and the environment.

D - Genetic Material: Material that contains the information for cellular growth.

E - Cytoplasm: Made up of proteins, carbohydrates, organic/inorganic substances, it is the site of bacterial growth, metabolic reactions, and also reproduction.

F - Pili: Pili help anchor the bacteria o the surface, and can assist in the transfer between genetic material between cells (Conjugation).

G - Ribosomes: Composed of RNA and Proteins, they are places where photosynthesis occurs and where amino-acids are bound together by enzymes in a certain sequence that fives each protein it's functional character.

H - Endospore: Helps the bacterium survive in harsh conditions.

I - Flagellum: Composed of thin fibres made of protein, it is what allows the bacterium to move forward in a proper-like motion.