About Prokaryotes
Unlike eukaryotic cells, prokaryotes lack nuclei and membrane-bound organelles. Reece et. al. states in Campbell Biology (2011) that prokaryotes posses a cell wall which lends protection and stability to the cell (p.557). Many prokaryotes also have a capsule on the exterior of the cell wall and fimbrae that allows them to adhere to substrates. Flagellum (sing. flagella) are a common structure in prokaryotes and provide motility through the prokaryote's environment. In some organisms, it aids in photosynthesize as it allows the prokaryote to move towards a more favorable environment.
Lactobacillus acidophilus which is a good example of a beneficial probiotic commonly found in the healthy small intestines of humans. According to the Mayo Clinic's website, L. acidophilus has been proven to cure bacterial vaginosis - a disease caused by pathogenic bacteria. In addition to numerous health benefits, various algaes found in the ocean are also types of bacteria and photosynthesize. They create O2 as a by-product which is necessary for human survival. In the science lab, specific kinds of bacteria can be cultivated and observed under the microscope. Scientists use this method to study bacteria and learn more about how they affect our communities and human health.
To learn more about the techniques involved in studying bacteria, we transfered bacteria from plates to broths and slants using aseptic techniques. We were provided with several species of bacteria to culture including, E. coli, S. aureus, and S. Marcessens. Within two days, microorganisms were visible as they were cultivated in an incubator (ideal conditions for bacterial growth). Aseptic techniques aim to prevent contamination of the culture and inoculate the medium in a manner that would make it easy to recognize individal colonies of bacteria. Prior to practicing these techniques, our lab tech demonstrated these techniques.
The following YouTube video by Khan Academy explains the primary differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes and provides background information helpful before viewing our next page.
Lactobacillus acidophilus which is a good example of a beneficial probiotic commonly found in the healthy small intestines of humans. According to the Mayo Clinic's website, L. acidophilus has been proven to cure bacterial vaginosis - a disease caused by pathogenic bacteria. In addition to numerous health benefits, various algaes found in the ocean are also types of bacteria and photosynthesize. They create O2 as a by-product which is necessary for human survival. In the science lab, specific kinds of bacteria can be cultivated and observed under the microscope. Scientists use this method to study bacteria and learn more about how they affect our communities and human health.
To learn more about the techniques involved in studying bacteria, we transfered bacteria from plates to broths and slants using aseptic techniques. We were provided with several species of bacteria to culture including, E. coli, S. aureus, and S. Marcessens. Within two days, microorganisms were visible as they were cultivated in an incubator (ideal conditions for bacterial growth). Aseptic techniques aim to prevent contamination of the culture and inoculate the medium in a manner that would make it easy to recognize individal colonies of bacteria. Prior to practicing these techniques, our lab tech demonstrated these techniques.
The following YouTube video by Khan Academy explains the primary differences between prokaryotes and eukaryotes and provides background information helpful before viewing our next page.
References
Acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus) - MayoClinic.com. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 6, 2012, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lactobacillus/NS_patient-acidophilus
Peaco, J. (n.d.). Going to extremes....Sonoma, CA - News, Events, Sports, Photos, Businesses, Community. Retrieved May 6, 2012, from http://sonoma.towns.pressdemocrat.com/2012/04/news/going-to-extremes/
Reece, J.B., Urry L.A., Cain, M.L., Wasserman, S.A., Minorksy, P.V., & Jackson, R. B. (2011) Campbell Biology. Boston: Benjamin Cummings.
Khan Academy. (n.d.). Bacteria. YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. . Retrieved May 6, 2012, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDoGrbpJJ14
Acidophilus (Lactobacillus acidophilus) - MayoClinic.com. (n.d.). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 6, 2012, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lactobacillus/NS_patient-acidophilus
Peaco, J. (n.d.). Going to extremes....Sonoma, CA - News, Events, Sports, Photos, Businesses, Community. Retrieved May 6, 2012, from http://sonoma.towns.pressdemocrat.com/2012/04/news/going-to-extremes/
Reece, J.B., Urry L.A., Cain, M.L., Wasserman, S.A., Minorksy, P.V., & Jackson, R. B. (2011) Campbell Biology. Boston: Benjamin Cummings.
Khan Academy. (n.d.). Bacteria. YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. . Retrieved May 6, 2012, from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TDoGrbpJJ14