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Home Books Review of Medical Microbiology & Immunology: A Guide to Clinical Infectious Diseases, 17e

Chapter 2: Structure of Bacterial Cells

SHAPE & SIZE OF BACTERIA

Bacteria are classified by shape into three basic groups: cocci (round), bacilli (rods), and spirochetes (spiral shaped) (Figure 2–1). Some bacteria are variable in shape and are said to be pleomorphic (heterogeneous shape). The shape of a bacterium is determined by its rigid cell wall. The microscopic appearance of a bacterium is one of the most important criteria used in its identification.

FIGURE 2–1

Bacterial morphology. A: Cocci in clusters (e.g., Staphylococcus; A-1); in chains (e.g., Streptococcus; A-2); in pairs with pointed ends (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae; A-3); in pairs with kidney bean shape (e.g., Neisseria; A-4). B: Rods (bacilli): with square ends (e.g., Bacillus; B-1); with rounded ends (e.g., Salmonella; B-2); club-shaped (e.g., Corynebacterium; B-3); fusiform (e.g., Fusobacterium; B-4); comma-shaped (e.g., Vibrio; B-5). C: Spirochetes: spiral shape with relaxed coils (e.g., Borrelia; C-1); spiral shape with tight coils (e.g., Treponema; C-2). (Reproduced with permission from Joklik WK, Willett HP, Amos DB: Zinsser Microbiology, 20th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 1992.)

A series of illustrations shows the morphology of 11 different types of bacteria.
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A series of illustrations shows the morphology of 11 different types of bacteria.

In addition to their characteristic shapes, the arrangement of bacteria is important. For example, certain cocci occur in pairs (diplococci), some in chains (streptococci), and others in grapelike clusters (staphylococci). The arrangement of rods and spirochetes is medically less important.

Bacteria range in size from about 0.2 to 5 μm (Figure 2–2). The smallest bacteria (Mycoplasma) are about the same size as the largest viruses (poxviruses) and are the smallest organisms capable of existing outside a host. The longest bacteria are the size of some yeasts and human red blood cells (7 μm).

FIGURE 2–2

Sizes of representative bacteria, viruses, yeasts, protozoa, and human red cells. The bacteria range in size from Mycoplasma, the smallest, to Bacillus anthracis, one of the largest. The viruses range from poliovirus, one of the smallest, to poxviruses. Yeasts, such as Candida albicans, are generally larger than bacteria. Protozoa have many different forms and a broad size range. HIV, human immunodeficiency virus. (Reproduced with permission from Joklik WK, Willett HP, Amos DB: Zinsser Microbiology, 20th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 1992.)

A scale in micrometer ranging from 0.005 to 300 in which the sizes of some of the bacteria, viruses, yeasts, protozoa, and human red cells are marked is shown.
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A scale in micrometer ranging from 0.005 to 300 in which the sizes of some of the bacteria, viruses, yeasts, protozoa, and human red cells are marked is shown.

STRUCTURE OF BACTERIA

The structure of a typical bacterium is illustrated in Figure 2–3, and the important features of each component are presented in Table 2–1.

FIGURE 2–3

Bacterial structure. (Reproduced with permission from Ryan K: Sherris Medical Microbiology, 4th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2004.)

An illustration shows the structure of a bacterial cell.
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An illustration shows the structure of a bacterial cell.
TABLE 2–1Bacterial Structures
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TABLE 2–1 Bacterial Structures
Structure Chemical Composition Function
Essential components
Cell wall
 Peptidoglycan Glycan (sugar) backbone ...

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