Question

Describe the basic characteristics of bacteria. Explain how five particular features contribute to the ability of bacteria to cause disease. (pages \(136-37\) )

Short answer

Bacteria are single-celled prokaryotic microorganisms that come in various shapes and reproduce quickly through binary fission. Five features that contribute to their ability to cause disease include: 1) A rigid cell wall made of peptidoglycan, providing structure and protection; 2) Surface proteins and carbohydrates (adhesins) that allow bacteria to attach to host cells; 3) Rapid reproduction through binary fission, enabling fast-spreading infections; 4) Secretion of exotoxins or endotoxins, causing symptoms like inflammation, tissue damage, or death; 5) The ability to acquire resistance to antibiotics through genetic mutations or gene transfer. Understanding these features is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies against bacterial infections.

Step-by-step solution

1. Introduce basic characteristics of bacteria

Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that are found almost everywhere on Earth. They are prokaryotic cells, which means they lack a well-defined nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Bacteria come in various shapes, including spheres (cocci), rods (bacilli), and spirals (spirilla). They have a simple structure and can reproduce quickly through a process called binary fission.

2. Feature 1: Cell Wall

The first feature that contributes to the ability of bacteria to cause disease is their cell wall. The cell wall of bacteria is made of peptidoglycan, a strong and rigid material that provides structure and protects them from their environment. This allows bacteria to survive and thrive in various environments, including inside the human body. The cell wall also helps some bacteria to resist the action of antibiotics and other chemicals that might damage or kill them.

3. Feature 2: Surface proteins and carbohydrates

Bacteria have surface proteins and carbohydrates that contribute to their ability to cause disease. These molecules, also called adhesins, allow bacteria to recognize and attach themselves to host cells. This is an essential step in the infection process, as it helps bacteria to colonize host tissues and avoid being flushed out by the host's immune system.

4. Feature 3: Rapid reproduction

Another feature that contributes to the ability of bacteria to cause disease is their rapid reproduction. As previously mentioned, bacteria reproduce through binary fission, a process in which one bacterium divides into two identical cells. This allows bacteria to rapidly increase their numbers, which can result in a rapidly spreading infection.

5. Feature 4: Secretion of toxins

Some bacteria produce toxins, which are harmful substances that can damage host cells. These toxins can either be exotoxins, which are released into the surrounding environment, or endotoxins, which are part of the bacterial cell wall and are released when the bacterium dies. The toxins produced by bacteria can cause various symptoms, such as inflammation, tissue damage, and even death, depending on the type and quantity of the toxin.

6. Feature 5: Ability to acquire resistance

Bacteria have the ability to acquire resistance to antimicrobial drugs, such as antibiotics. This resistance can be the result of genetic mutations or the transfer of resistance genes between bacteria. Resistant bacteria can survive the action of antibiotics, allowing them to continue multiplying and causing infections. This phenomenon is a major concern for human health, as it can result in the failure of antibiotic treatments and the spread of antibiotic-resistant infections. In conclusion, bacteria possess various characteristics that contribute to their ability to cause disease, including a strong cell wall, surface proteins and carbohydrates for attachment, rapid reproduction, secretion of toxins, and the ability to acquire resistance to antibiotics. Understanding these features is important in the development of strategies to prevent and treat bacterial infections.