Introduction of Bacteria and Fungi
Table of Contents
They are distinct types of microorganisms with different structures and characteristics. Bacteria are single-celled prokaryotes, while fungi can be single-celled (yeasts) or multicelled (molds, mushrooms) eukaryotes. They can be distinguished by their cell structure, colony morphology, and staining properties.
Description
1. Cell Structure:
- Bacteria lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Their genetic material (DNA) is a single circular molecule in the cytoplasm.
- Fungi: Have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Fungal cells can be either unicellular (like yeast) or multicellular (like molds and mushrooms).
2. Size:
- Bacteria are generally smaller, ranging from 0.5 to 5 micrometers.
- Fungi can be microscopic (e.g., yeast) or macroscopic (e.g., mushrooms).
3. Colony Morphology:
- Bacteria: Typically form small, creamy, or opaque colonies on agar plates.
- Fungi: Often form larger, fuzzy, or mold-like colonies.
4. Staining:
- Gram Staining: A common method to differentiate bacteria based on their cell wall composition. Gram-positive bacteria retain a purple dye (crystal violet), while Gram-negative bacteria do not and appear pink (due to a counterstain).
- Simple Staining: It can be used to visualize them using a single dye. For example, methylene blue, basic fuchsin, or crystal violet can be used.
5. Interactions: They can interact in various ways, including symbiotic relationships where they benefit each other, or antagonistic relationships where they compete or inhibit each other.
6. Examples:
- Bacteria: Examples include E. coli, Salmonella, and Streptococcus.
- Fungi: Examples include yeast, mold, and mushrooms.
Demonstration Techniques
- Microscopy: Direct observation of bacterial and fungal cells under a microscope is a fundamental technique.
- Staining: Using dyes to highlight specific cellular components allows for better visualization and differentiation.
- Colony Morphology: Observing and characterizing the appearance of bacterial and fungal colonies on agar plates is a key identification method.
- Biochemical Tests: Various tests can be performed to identify specific bacterial and fungal species based on their metabolic activities and other characteristics.
Differences
| Feature | Bacteria | Fungi |
| Cell Type | Prokaryotic | Eukaryotic |
| Nucleus | Absent | Present |
| Organelles | Absent (except ribosomes) | Present (mitochondria, etc.) |
| Size | Typically smaller (0.5-5 micrometers) | Typically larger (2-10 micrometers) |
| Cell Wall | Peptidoglycan | Chitin (usually) |
| Reproduction | Binary fission | Spores (sexual or asexual) |
| Nutrition | Autotrophic or heterotrophic | Heterotrophic (mostly decomposers) |
| Movement | Flagella, pili, or gliding | Hyphal growth (most fungi) |
Keynotes
- Cell Type: Bacteria are prokaryotic (lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles), while fungi are eukaryotic (possessing a nucleus and organelles).
- Cell Structure: Bacteria are primarily unicellular, while fungi are mostly multicellular (though some, like yeast, are unicellular).
- Cell Wall: Bacterial cell walls are composed of peptidoglycan, whereas fungal cell walls are made of chitin.
- Nutritional Mode: Bacteria can be autotrophic (producing their food) or heterotrophic (consuming other organisms), while fungi are predominantly heterotrophic, absorbing nutrients from their surroundings.
- Reproduction: Bacteria typically reproduce asexually via binary fission, while fungi can reproduce both sexually and asexually (e.g., through spores).
- Size: Bacteria generally range from 0.5 to 5 μm, while fungi are typically 2 to 10 μm in size.
- Ecological Roles: Both bacteria and fungi play crucial roles in decomposition, nutrient cycling, and various symbiotic relationships.
- Disease: Both can cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants, although the specific pathogens and mechanisms differ.
- Beneficial Uses: They are utilized in various industrial processes, such as fermentation (bread, beer, cheese), antibiotic production, and bioremediation.
- Interactions: They can interact in complex ways, including competition, mutualism, and antagonism, influencing the overall microbial community structure and function.
Further Readings
- https://byjus.com/biology/kingdom-fungi/
- https://covm.uobaghdad.edu.iq/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2023/09
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B978008047514150010X
- https://www.wikidoc.org/index.php/Bacteria
- https://academic.oup.com/femsre/article/29/4/795/493265#
- https://www.cd-genomics.com/microbioseq/how-to-distinguish-bacteria-and-fungi-from-morphology-to-sequencing.html
- https://microbiomejournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40168-023-01708-6
- https://www.cd-genomics.com/microbioseq/how-to-distinguish-bacteria-and-fungi-from-morphology-to-sequencing.html
- https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rcm.721
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/zyhrng8/revision/3
- https://www.vedantu.com/neet/difference-between-bacteria-and-fungi
- https://brainly.com/question/42601751
- https://www.britannica.com/science/microbiology/Types-of-microorganisms
- https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-differences-between-fungi-and-bacteria
- https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-eubacteria-definition-characteristics-examples.
- htmlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fungus