Question

1. Using either a textbook or a reputable online resource, research some of the typical characteristics of bacteria, and discuss why it might be important for a researcher or a hospital technician to be able to differentiate between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.'

(textbook is openstax microbiology)

Answer 1

Bacterias are unicellular prokaryotic organism found in different shapes and sizess.There are spherical bacteria,rod shaped shaped bacteria spiral bacteria,filamentous bacteria etc.As they lack nucleus their genetic material or DNA is present in nucleoid.A peptidoglycan cell wall is present.They reproduce asexually by means means of binary fission and sexually by Horizontal gene transfer.

Bacteria can be broadly divided on the basis of their cell wall composition into gram positive and gram negative bacteria.Gram positive bacteria have thick peptidoglycan and absence of lipid membrane and shows purple color on gram staining.Gram negative bacterias have thin peptidoglycan layer and presence of lipid.They show pale red color on gram staining.

It is important to know the class of bacteria for various reasons such as diagnosing infections, and for effective drug administration or for studying the activity of bacteria as a researcher.