• Bacteria are single-celled mircoorganisms from a a class of organisms called prokaryotes, meaning they have no nucleus. Instead prokaryotes have a loop of DNA within the cytoplasm of their cells. They can be found in virtually any environment on Earth and numbering an estimated four to six nonillion.PNAS: Prokaryotes: The unseen majority

• Fast Facts

  1. Human beings are born bacteria free
  2. Human bodies host beneficial bacteria
  3. Overuse of antibiotics leads to more antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains
  4. Washing hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds effectively prevents the spread of harmful bacteriaLife's Little Mysteries: Is Antibacterial Soap Really Necessary?
  5. Best understood organism: E. Coli bacterium
  6. Harmful bacteria cause Anthrax, Tuberculosis, Pneumonia and many other illnesses

• Human Bacterial Symbiosis

  Symbiosis is relationship between two species in which both species benefit. For bacteria, the human body provides a home and food where they can live. For the humans, bacteria break down certain hard to digest substances and excrete vitamins. Bacteria also protect the human body from harmful bacteria by crowding them out and using up all of the excess nutrients.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Viruses | Microbiology | Biochemistry | Campylobacteriosis | Viral Infections | Infection | Salmonella | Diarrhea Treatment

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