BehaviorBacterial cells are known for their fast reproduction rate, and their constant mutating genes. Because of this, there is a constant increase in their genetic diversity. Their genetic recombination often occurs during/through transformation, transduction, and conjugation.
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StructureThe bacterial cell is commonly viewed as a sphere, rod-shaped, or spiral shape, with these key structures:
1) Cell wall- found between the capsule and the cell membrane, the cell wall provides structural support for a bacterial cell. 2) Capsule- it is outer most layer of the bacteria, and is sticky/slimy, offering protection and adhering to the cell. 3) Fimbriae- the hair-like outer appendages on the cell. These are used to attach to target cells. 4) Flagella- a tail-like structure, used to help taxi the cell |
5) Sex Pilus- this is used to pull two cells together for DNA transfer (this process is known as conjugation) 6) Circular DNA- free inside cell, not in nucleus |