Bacterial Cell Structure

Note: cytoskeleton and internal membranes are common in prokaryotic cells.

A. Morphology
Most common shapes: cocci, bacilli
Other shapes include: vibrio (curved rod), spirilla (twisted rod) and spirochete (flexible twisted rod)

Bacteria that form multicellular filaments: Cyanobacteria and Streptomyces.

Cyanobacteria utilize specialized cells called heterocysts to fix N2 gas.

In terms of shape: monomorphic (single shape) and pleomorphic (many shape)

Overview of morphology of bacteria:

1. Very small
2. Most divide by binary fission, which can result in cells remaining stuck → cluster, pair or chains
3. Some form multicellular filaments ie. Cyanobacteria and Streptomyces
4. Some are monomorphic (E. coli) and others pleomorphic (Mycoplasma)

B. Overview of a typical bacterial cell

1. All have a PM
2. Most have a cell wall (the exception is Mycoplasma)
3. Gram (-) have an OM as part of their cell wall.
4. Many have a capsule
5. Many have a flagella
6. Many do not have membrane-bound organelles

C. Ribosomes: involved in protein synthesis

a. S = Svedberg unit; sedimentation coefficient; rate at which a particle sediments in a centrifuge.
Rate is affected by mass, density and shape. Particles that sediment faster, have a larger SV.
b. Ribosome has 2 subunits : small subunit (30S) and large subunit (50S). A complete ribosome =
70S ribosome.
30S has 16S rRNA and > 20 proteins
50S has 23S rRNA + 5 rRNA and > 30 proteins.

D. Chromosomes : 1 circular double stranded DNA. Site of DNA and RNA synthesis.
F. Plasmids: extra chromosomal DNA
● Structure: circular double stranded DNA
● Encodes genes for a selective advantage ie. antibiotic resistance.

5. Inclusions
A. Term describing discrete granules and other structures in the cytoplasm