Bacterial Cell Structure and

Function

The Three Domains of Life

Microbiological focus
Archaea The Extremophiles
Bacteria- Cyanobacteria and eubacteria
Eukarya Protozoans, fungi, and worms

Prokaryote and Eukaryote Cells

The Structure of the Prokaryote Cell

Small size ( 0.5 to 2um)
Large surface area to volume ratio
A variety of shapes
Outer cell wall- very thick made of specialized molecules
Cell membranes may have a different constituency of
molecules from eukaryote cells
Ribosomes smaller
No organelles, no nuclear membrane
1 ds circular loop of DNA

Shapes of the Bacteria

Bacillus
Coccus
Vibrio
Spirillum
Spirochete
Pleiomorphism- Some bacterial shapes vary within a
culture. This can occur when the nutrients are used and
wastes have built up

Bacterial Shapes

Bacillus- E. coli

Fluorescent stain

Freeze fracture

Public enemy # 1- Anthrax

Streptococcus pyogenes- strep throat

Staphylococcus

Arrangement of bacteria
Groups of two- diplo
Chains- strepto
Large groups- like grape clusters- staphylo
Division on 3 planes- sarcinae- 8 cells
arranged in a cube
Division on two planes produces tetrads

Cell Morphology

Staphylococcus

Diplococcus

Bacterial Cell Structure and

Function

The Three Domains of Life

Microbiological focus
Archaea The Extremophiles
Bacteria- Cyanobacteria and eubacteria
Eukarya Protozoans, fungi, and worms

Prokaryote and Eukaryote Cells

The Structure of the Prokaryote Cell

Small size ( 0.5 to 2um)
Large surface area to volume ratio
A variety of shapes
Outer cell wall- very thick made of specialized molecules
Cell membranes may have a different constituency of
molecules from eukaryote cells
Ribosomes smaller
No organelles, no nuclear membrane
1 ds circular loop of DNA

Shapes of the Bacteria

Bacillus
Coccus
Vibrio
Spirillum
Spirochete
Pleiomorphism- Some bacterial shapes vary within a
culture. This can occur when the nutrients are used and
wastes have built up

Bacterial Shapes

Bacillus- E. coli

Fluorescent stain

Freeze fracture

Public enemy # 1- Anthrax

Streptococcus pyogenes- strep throat

Staphylococcus

Arrangement of bacteria
Groups of two- diplo
Chains- strepto
Large groups- like grape clusters- staphylo
Division on 3 planes- sarcinae- 8 cells
arranged in a cube
Division on two planes produces tetrads

Cell Morphology

Staphylococcus

Diplococcus

Streptobacilli

Spirillum

Spriochetes

 Peptidoglycan
the single most important molecule in
the cell walls of bacteria
One immense- covalently linked
molecule
The molecule forms a chain- the
constituents are sugar-amino molecules(
glucosamines)

Peptidoglycans - Cell Wall

Gram Positive Bacteria- Cell walls

The cell wall is made of Teichoic acid- glycerol+
phosphates+ribotol which an alcohol sugar. These
polymers extend beyond the cell even beyond the
capsule

Gram Negative Bacteria- Cell Walls

The outer membrane found primarily in Gramnegative bacteria is a bilayer that forms the
outermost layer of the cell wall and is attached to the
peptidoglycan by lipoproteins molecules.

The Cell Membrane

LPS- this is actually a part of the outer cell
membrane and can b be used to help to
identiry Gram- bacteria. It is also important to
the cell wall and is usually not released until a
bacterium is dead. It consists of
polysaccharides and lipid A

The toxins gram negative bacteria release are from this portion of the
cell membrane. Gram negative bacteria release endotoxin and the
result is fever, the dilation of blood vessels, so the blood pressure
drops and causes other related effects.

Gram-Positive Bacteria
The cell wall has a thick layer of peptidoglycan 20
to 80um thick
60-90% of the cell wall is peptidoglycan
Except for the strptococci most gram positive
bacterial cell walls contain very little protein

Gram-negative Bacteria
The wall of a Gram-negative bacterium is
thinner but more complex than a Grampositive bacterium
Only10 to 20 % of the cell wall is
peptidoglycan- the remainder consists of
various polysaccharides, protein, lipids.
The cell wall contains an outer membranethe LPS

The Periplasmic Space

The periplasmic space is between the

outer surface of the cell wallo and the cell
membrane
Enzymes and toxins remain in the
periplasmic space in sufficient
concentrations to help destroy substances
that might harm the bacterium.

The Cell Membrane

The cell membrane consists of molecules called

phospholipids.
Phospholipids have two long tails consisting of
hydrocarbon chains ( HYDROPHOBIC)
Phospholipids have a phosphate head (HYDROPHILIC)
The membrane is formed by a double layer of these
molecules
The membrane also contains PROTEINS

Internal Structure
Ribosomes- consist of ribonucleic acid (
RNA) and protein. They are abundant in
the cytoplasm as
POLYRIBOSOMES

Nucleoid Region- Central

The nucleoid region contains 1 ds ciruclar loop
of DNA.
The DNA may be attached to the cell
membrane as well at some point
There may be RNA associated with the DNA

Chromatophores- photosynthetic bacteria

Molecules of life

Chromatophores are derived from the cell

membrane. They contain pigments used to
capture light energy for the synthesis of sugars.
Nitrifying bacteria also may have these internal
membranes.
They contain the enzymes necessary for the
energy transformation process of photosynthesis

The Nucleoid Region

Mesosomes- Bacteria
Bacterial cells have large infoldings
in their membranes.

Mesosomes
Mesosomes provide the surface area
for all of the chemical reactions in the
cell
respiration
metabolic processes
Freeze fracture

Inclusions

Small bodies in the cytoplasm- some are called

granules

Glycogen
pyrrophosphate granules- volutin
Metachromatic granules
Variable colors

 Vegetative cells of bacteria like Bacillus or Clostrium produce

resting stages

These spores are designed for survival and not reproduction.

These are formed within cells
They are resistant to heat, drying,acids,bases,disinfectants, and
radiation

Spore formation
Spores form when nutrients are depleged form
a culture
Few spores are formed when nutrients are
plentiful and environmental conditions are
favorable.

Spore Structure

An endospore consists of a core,

surrounded by a cortex, a spore coat and in
some species a thin layer called the
exosporium
spore

How do spores survive ?

They contain dipicolinic acid and a large number of

calium ions.
These materials contribute to heat resistance
The lose water content enables them to survive.

 Endospores have survived over 10,000

years
Special methods may be used to skill
them during sterilization
When conditions are favorable they can
still germinate

Flagella

Bacteria that are motile have appendages

called flagella
A bacteria can have one or many flagella
monotrichous
amphitrichous
lophotrichous
peritrichous

What is this type of bacteria ?

 The diameter of a prokaryotes flagellum is about one-tenth of

that of a eukaryote
It is made of flagellin
The basal region has a hook like structure and a complex basal
body
The basal body consists of a central rod or shaft surrounded by a
set of rings
Gram negative bacteria have a pair of rings embedded in the cell
membrane and another pair of rings associated with the
peptidoglycan and lipopolysaccharide layer of the cell wall. Gram
positive have one ring.

Turns like a mixer

Flagellar motion
Flagella rotate like twirling L- shaped
hooks such as a dough hook on a
kitchen rotor- or a mixer

Twiddling ? HHMM!

When flagella bundle together they rotate

counterclockwise and the bacteria run

When the flgella rotate clockwise the

flagellar bundle comes apart and the bacteria
twiddle- tumble randomly

Chemotaxis

Sometimes bacteria move toward or away from

substances in their environment. This is called chemotaxis
Concentrations of most molecules in the environment
form a gradient.
When a bacteria is running a long an increasing gradient
if reduces the frequency of its twiddles

PILI

Attachment piliThese are structures on the surface of the bacteria that

aid the bacterium in atttching to surfaces
These acid the bacterium by allowing colonization of the
mucus membranes of organisms.
Some bacteria adhere to red blood cells by attachment
pil and cause red blood cells to clum- this is
hemagglutination

SEX PILI- Conjugation

Conjugation pili or sex pili are found only in certain

groups of bacteria.
This structure exists exclusively for the transfer of DNA
between bacteria
The DNA passes between bacteria tend to develop
antibiotic resistance

Bacterial Slime Layer or Capsule

Structure of Bacteria

Size of Bacteria
Average bacteria 0.5 - 2.0 um in diam.
RBC is 7.5 um in diam.

Surface Area ~12 um^2

Volume is ~4 um
Surface Area to Volume is 3:1
Typical Eukaryote Cell SA/Vol is 0.3:1
Food enters through SA, quickly reaches all parts
of bacteria
Eukaroytes need structures & organelles

Shapes of Bacteria
Coccus

Chain = Streptoccus
Cluster = Staphylococcus

Bacillus

Chain = Streptobacillus

Coccobacillus
Vibrio = curved
Spirillum
Spirochete
Square
Star

Bacterial Structures

Flagella
Pili
Capsule
Plasma Membrane
Cytoplasm
Cell Wall
Lipopolysaccharides
Teichoic Acids
Inclusions
Spores

Flagella
Motility - movement
Swarming occurs with some bacteria
Spread across Petri Dish
Proteus species most evident

Arrangement basis for classification

Monotrichous; 1 flagella
Lophotrichous; tuft at one end
Amphitrichous; both ends
Peritrichous; all around bacteria

Observe Picture in Micro Lab.

Mono- or Lophotrichorus

Pili
Short protein appendages
smaller than flagella

Adhere bacteria to surfaces

E. coli has numerous types
K88, K99, F41, etc.

Antibodies to will block adherance

F-pilus; used in conjugation

Exchange of genetic information

Flotation; increase boyancy

Pellicle (scum on water)
More oxygen on surface

F-Pilus for Conjugation

Capsule or Slime Layer

Glycocalyx - Polysaccharide on external
surface
Adhere bacteria to surface
S. mutans and enamel of teeth

Prevents Phagocytosis
Complement cant penetrate sugars

Cytoplasm
80% Water {20% Salts-Proteins)
Osmotic Shock important

DNA is circular, Haploid

Advantages of 1N DNA over 2N DNA
More efficient; grows quicker
Mutations allow adaptation to environment quicker

Plasmids; extra circular DNA

Antibiotic Resistance

No organelles (Mitochondria, Golgi, etc.)

Cell Membrane

Bilayer Phospholipid
Water can penetrate
Flexible
Not strong, ruptures easily
Osmotic Pressure created by cytoplasm

Cell Wall
Peptido-glycan Polymer (amino acids + sugars)
Unique to bacteria
Sugars; NAG & NAM
N-acetylglucosamine
N-acetymuramic acid

D form of Amino acids used not L form

Hard to break down D form

Amino acids cross link NAG & NAM

Cell Wall Summary

Determine shape of bacteria

Strength prevents osmotic rupture
20-40% of bacteria
Unique to bacteria
Some antibiotics effect directly
Penicillin

Video Clip on Cell Wall

Teichoic Acids
Gram + only
Glycerol, Phosphates, & Ribitol
Attachment for Phages

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
Endotoxin or Pyrogen
Fever causing
Toxin nomenclature
Endo- part of bacteria
Exo- excreted into environment

Structure
Lipid A
Polysaccharide
O Antigen of E. coli, Salmonella

G- bacteria only
Alcohol/Acetone removes

 Functions

LPS (contd)

Toxic; kills mice, pigs, humans

G- septicemia; death due to LPS

Pyrogen; causes fever

DPT vaccination always causes fevers

Adjuvant; stimulates immunity

Heat Resistant; hard to remove

Detection (all topical & IV products)

Rabbits (measure fever)

Horse shoe crab (Amoebocytes Lyse in presence of
LPS)

LPS (contd.)
Appearance of Colonies
Mucoid = Smooth (lots of LPS or capsule)
Dry = Rough (little LPS or capsule)

O Antigen of Salmonella and E. coli

2,000 different O Ags of Salmonella
100s different O Ags of E. coli
E. coli O157

O Ags differ in Sugars, not Lipid A

Endospores

Resistant structure

Heat, irradiation, cold

Boiling >1 hr still viable

Takes time and energy to make spores

Location important in classification
Central, Subterminal, Terminal

Bacillus stearothermophilus -spores

Used for quality control of heat sterilization equipment

Bacillus anthracis - spores

Used in biological warfare

G+ vs. G G+
Thicker cell wall
Teichoic Acids

G Endotoxin - LPS

Which are more sensitive to Penicllin?

Alcohol/Acetone affects which more?

Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes

Cell Wall
Teichoic Acids
LPS
Endospores
Circular DNA
Plasmids

Eukaryote Cell Structure

Bacteria Cell

Prokaryotes

Cells that do not have a nucleus

Exist almost every where on earth
Grow in numbers so great you
can see them with the unaided
eye
Are placed in either the
Eubacteria or the Archebacteria
Kingdoms
Make up the smaller of the two
kingdoms

Eubacteria
Make up the larger of
the two prokaryote
kingdoms
Generally are
surrounded by a cell
wall composed of
complex carbohydrates

Cyanobacteria

Photosynthetic
bacterium
Bluish-greenish color
Contain membranes that
carry out the process of
photosynthesis
Do not contain the same
type of chloroplasts as
plants do
This bluish-greenish
algae can be found
nearly everywhere on
earth.
Can survive in extremely
hot environments and
even extremely cold
environment

Archaebacteria

Lack important
carbohydrate found in
cell walls
Have different lipids in
their cell membrane
Different types of
ribosomes
Very different gene
sequences
Archaebacteria can live
in extremely harsh
environments
They do not require
oxygen and can live in
extremely salty
environments as well
as extremely hot
environments.

Identifying Prokaryotes
Cell Shape
Cell Wall
Movement

Bacterium Shapes
Cocci~ Sphere shaped bacteria
Bacillus~ Rod shaped bacteria
Spirrillium ~ Spiral shaped
bacteria
Flagella~ Leg-like structures that
help to propel the bacterium.

Gram + and Gram Bacterium Cell

Walls

Cellular Walls
Chemical nature of a cell wall can be determined by
Gram Staining
By finding out what color the cell produces when it is
gram stained you can figure out the type of
carbohydrates in the cell wall

Movement
Flagella ~ Tail like structure the whips around
to propel the bacterium
Cillia ~ Miniature flagella surround the cell
that help to swim
Non motile ~ Sticky cillia like structures that
keep the bacterium from moving

Flagella

Bacteria and their energy

Autotrophs
Chemotrophs
Heterotrophs

Autotrophs
Make their own energy
Using Solar energy
Eg. Cyanobacteria

Chemotrophs
Make own Energy
Using Chemical energy
Eg. Archaebacteria

Heterotrophs
Obtain food
By eating
Eg. E-coli

Bacteria Respiration
Obligate Anaerobes
Facultative Anaerobes
Obligate Aerobes

Live without Oxygen

Can live with or without
oxygen
Cannot live without
oxygen.

Bacteria Reproduction
Binary Fission
Conjugation
Spore Formation

Cellular organism copies its genetic information then splits into

two identical daughter cells

Conjugation
A type of Bacteria Sex
Two organism swap
genetic information,
that contains the
information such as a
resistance to penicillin

Spore Formation: Endospore

A type of dormant cell

Exhibit no signs of life
Highly resistant to environmental
stresses such as:
-High temperatures
-Irradiation
-Strong acids
-Disinfectants
Endospores are formed by
vegetative cells in response to
environmental signals that
indicate a limiting factor for
vegetative growth, such as
exhaustion of an essential
nutrient.

Symbiosis
Close relationship
between to species in
which at least one
species benefits from
the other
Live together for LIFE

Parasitism
Bacteria exploit the
host cell, injuring them
Eg. Mychobacterium
tuberculosis

Mutualism
Symbiosis in which two
of the species live
together in such a way
that both benefit from
the relationship
Eg. E-coli

Nitrogen Fixations
Process by which nitrogen in the atmosphere
is converted into a form that can be used by
living things