However, overuse of antibiotics can cause problems. Antibiotics work by destroying the bacteria’s cell wall, DNA, or ribosomes (the organelles that make proteins). These drugs kill bacteria through several methods depending on the antibiotic. Antibiotics can be broad spectrum, acting on a wide range of bacteria, or narrow spectrum, targeting specific bacteria. The immune system typically fights off harmful bacteria, but in some cases antibiotics are needed to treat bacterial infections. Improved sanitary conditions and antibiotics have helped decrease incidences of bacterial infections. ![]() Toxins produced by the bacteria are often responsible for causing illness because they adhere to cellular structures and inhibit function. However, others can spread throughout the body via the bloodstream. ![]() Some bacteria are highly specific as to which parts of the body they infect. Bacteria can infect any part of the body. Although bacteria are diverse, they come in three major shapes: rod, sphere, and curved.īacterial infection can occur through ingestion, inhalation, or contact with an open wound. It is often used as a diagnostic test to determine what kind of bacteria is causing an infection. The Gram stain helps scientists distinguish between bacteria types based on components of their cell walls. The composition of the cell wall varies, and this variation helps scientists tell bacteria apart. Also, unlike eukaryotic cells, most bacteria have a cell wall. In fact, bacteria have caused some of the most devastating diseases in human history, such as the bubonic plague and dysentery.īacteria are unicellular and prokaryotic, meaning they do not have a nucleus and are much simpler than eukaryotic cells. Most bacteria do not cause humans harm, but some can infect humans and cause disease. They live virtually everywhere, including within our bodies. Bacteria inhabit various environments throughout the earth.
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