bakterieller

Bakterieller is the Swedish term for anything relating to bacteria, the diverse group of prokaryotic microorganisms that inhabit nearly every environment on Earth. In Swedish usage, the word forms part of phrases describing bacterial properties, infections, or processes.

Bacteria are single-celled organisms characterized by a lack of a true nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Their cell walls commonly contain peptidoglycan, and they reproduce mainly by binary fission. Bacteria display a wide range of shapes, including spheres (cocci), rods (bacilli), and spirals. They can be categorized by methods such as Gram staining, which differentiates bacteria into Gram-positive and Gram-negative groups based on cell wall structure.

Bacteria play essential roles in ecosystems and human affairs. They are primary decomposers that recycle nutrients, participate in photosynthesis in some groups, and contribute to processes such as nitrogen fixation. In industry, bacteria are used for fermentation, production of enzymes, and bioremediation. The human body hosts a vast and diverse microbiota, with many bacteria living harmlessly or beneficially on the skin, in the gut, and in mucosal surfaces. However, certain bacteria can cause infections or diseases when they invade or overgrow in the body.

Study and management of bakterielle phenomena rely on multiple approaches, including microscopy, culture techniques, and genomic methods. Modern diagnostics often use molecular tools such as sequencing of 16S rRNA genes to identify bacterial species, along with broader methods like whole-genome sequencing. Antibiotic resistance remains a major public health concern, highlighting the need for surveillance and responsible use of antimicrobial agents.

Notable examples of bacteria include Lactobacillus, a common probiotic and starter culture; Escherichia coli, a model organism and gut inhabitant; Bacillus subtilis, a laboratory workhorse; and pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.