Microbiology: An Evolving Science (Fourth Edition)
Microbiology: An Evolving Science (Fourth Edition)
4th Edition
ISBN: 9780393615098
Author: John W. Foster, Joan L. Slonczewski
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
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Chapter 3, Problem 1RQ
Summary Introduction

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The major features of bacterial cells and reveal the ways by which a single cell performs all its functions.

Introduction:

A cell serves as a constituting as well as a functional unit of all life forms that are present on Earth. The level of organization of the cells is also varied in the living world. The cells are comprised of various parts and these parts are constituted by a range of biomolecules. There exist several developmental distinctions between cells, which mark boundaries between the cell types. The cells are also classified into two classes, prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

Bacteria are considered prokaryotes because they do not possess ribosomes, plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and a membrane encircled nucleus. A bacterial cell does not possess well-defined membrane-bounded organelles. They possess a relatively small genome that is highly condensed. Ribosomes are also present in the cytoplasm of the bacterial cell. Various bacterial cells possess a range of organelles depending upon their genus or species.

The bacterial cells usually possess a cell wall. The cell wall is associated with the protection of a bacterial cell and maintains the connection with nearby cells. The macromolecules and proteins that are present in the bacterial cytoplasm maintain the ions and the nutrient level in the cell. The cell wall material controls cytoplasmic expansion and keeps the cell membrane undamaged during water flow.

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Explanation of Solution

Bacteria are considered prokaryotes because they do not possess ribosomes, plasma membrane, cytoplasm, and a membrane encircled nucleus. A bacterial cell does not possess well-defined membrane-bounded organelles. They possess a relatively small genome that is highly condensed. Ribosomes are also present in the cytoplasm of the bacterial cell. Various bacterial cells possess a range of organelles depending upon their genus or species.

The bacterial cells usually possess a cell wall. The cell wall is associated with the protection of a bacterial cell and maintains the connection with nearby cells. The macromolecules and proteins that are present in the bacterial cytoplasm maintain the ions and the nutrient level in the cell. The cell wall material controls cytoplasmic expansion and keeps the cell membrane undamaged during water flow.

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