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The Structure of Bacteria Bacteria Bacteria are unicellular prokaryotic organisms which multiply by binary fission. Bacteria lack the membrane-bound nuclei of eukaryotes; their DNA is in the form of a loop known as a nucleoid. Bacteria can be classified according to their cell shape, Gram-stain reaction, motility, oxygen and nutrient requirements, biochemical properties, phage susceptibility and genetic composition (DNA) analysis. When arranged according to cell shape, bacteria almost invariably take one of three forms: rod (bacillus), sphere (coccus), or spiral (spirilla and spirochetes). Rods that are curved are called vibrios. Cell Envelope Structure The bacterial cell wall is a unique structure which surrounds the cell membrane. Although not present in every bacterial species, the cell wall is very important as a cellular component. Structurally, the wall is necessary for: 1. Providing attachment sites for bacteriophages. 2. Maintaining the cell's characteristic shape. 3. Preventing osmotic lysis. 4. Providing a rigid platform for surface structures including flagella and...

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