Bacterien

Bacterien are single-celled microorganisms that are found in virtually every habitat on Earth. They are prokaryotes, meaning their cells lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Bacterien are incredibly diverse, with a wide range of shapes, sizes, and metabolic capabilities. They reproduce asexually, typically through binary fission, where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Bacterien play crucial roles in ecosystems. Many are decomposers, breaking down dead organic matter and recycling nutrients. Others are involved in essential biogeochemical cycles, such as nitrogen fixation, converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants. Some bacterien form symbiotic relationships with other organisms. For example, certain bacterien live in the digestive tracts of animals, aiding in digestion and producing vitamins.

While many bacterien are harmless or even beneficial, some are pathogenic and can cause diseases in humans, animals, and plants. These pathogenic bacterien can be transmitted through various routes, including contaminated food and water, direct contact, or airborne droplets. Understanding bacterien is vital for fields like medicine, agriculture, and environmental science. Research into bacterien has led to the development of antibiotics to combat bacterial infections and the use of bacterien in biotechnology, such as in the production of insulin and vaccines.