1. What are the characteristics of Archaebacteria?

( 3 Marks)
Archaebacteria have different lipids in their cell membrane. They can live in
extremely harsh environments. They do not require oxygen and can live in extremely
salty environments as well as extremely hot environments. Cell walls of Archae do
not contain peptidoglycan found in bacterial cell walls. Most are chemoautotrophs
none are photosynthetic.

2. Reproduction of bacteria sexually by conjugation and asexually by binary fission.

(1 Mark)

3. Elaborate in detail sexual and asexual reproduction of bacteria. (6 Marks)

Bacteria can reproduce sexually by conjugation. Conjugation is the process by
which one bacterium transfers genetic material to another through direct contact.
During conjugation, one bacterium serves as the donor of the genetic material, and
the other serves as the recipient.  Some bacteria can transfer a portion of their
chromosome to a recipient with which they are in direct contact. The copy is injected
into the recipient as the donor replicates. The donor and the recipient can separate at
any time and transfer of genes will stop. Secondly, bacteria can reproduce asexually
by cell division called binary fission. Binary fission is a process where the
bacterium, a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells. First and foremost,
the bacterial chromosome will begin to replicate. This process of replication will start
at the origin of replication. Then the replication continues. One origin moves to the
opposite side of the cell and the cell will elongate. After the replication process is
finished, the plasma membrane grows inwards and a new cell wall is laid down. At
the end of the binary fission process, two genetically identical daughter cells (clones)
will be produced. Binary fission is the evolutionary precursor to mitosis.

4. List down 3 types and harmful and beneficial bacteria each with an example given.
(6 Marks)
BENEFICIAL BACTERIA
1. Pediococcus – widely used in production of fermented meats
2. Lactobacillus casei – found in human intestines and mouth in order to improve
digestion
3. Leuconostoc cremoris – widely used in production in buttermilk and sour cream
HARMFUL BACTERIA ( PATHOGENS )
4. Pathogenic E.coli (Escherichia coli) – found in ground beef, contaminated fruits
and vegetables.
5. Listeria – found in deli foods, lunch meats vegetables and smoked fish
6. Salmonella – Found in raw meats, eggs, sprouts, vegetables and fruits.
GROWTH CURVE
https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Microbiology/Book
%3A_Microbiology_(Bruslind)/09%3A_Microbial_Growth#:~:text=It%20has
%20been%20determined%20that,the%20death%20or%20decline%20phase.