Bakteritega

Bakteritega is an Estonian term meaning “with bacteria” and is used in contexts describing interactions between living organisms and bacteria, as well as processes in microbiology and medicine.

Bacteria are a large and diverse group of single-celled prokaryotes found in nearly every habitat. They range from harmless commensals to pathogens. They reproduce mainly by binary fission and come in various shapes, such as coccus, bacillus, and spirillum. They can be classified by staining methods as Gram-positive or Gram-negative, which reflect differences in cell wall structure.

In nature, bacteria drive nutrient cycles, decomposition, and symbiotic relationships. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in soil and legume roots convert atmospheric nitrogen to forms usable by plants. In food production, lactic acid bacteria ferment sugars to acids, contributing to yogurt, cheese, and pickles. The human gut hosts a complex microbiota that influences digestion, immunity, and metabolism; imbalances can be linked to disease.

Pathogenic bacteria cause infections ranging from mild to severe. Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention rely on hygiene, vaccination where available, and appropriate antibiotic use. Antibiotic resistance is a growing public health concern.

Bacteria are also exploited in biotechnology and industry, producing enzymes, pharmaceuticals, and biofuels, and serving as model organisms in research. Modern methods such as genomic sequencing and metagenomics enable the study of bacteria without culturing them, expanding understanding of microbial diversity.