Question

name daniel
bacteria - simplest organism
characteristics
characteristic of life
made of cells
draw a typical cell for each one and fill in the blank
does not have a
homeostasis
how does each balance the amount of water in the body?
metabolism
how does each get energy?
reproduction
how does each reproduce?
growth and development
how does each grow?
respond to stimuli
how do they respond to change in the environment?
evolution
how has each evolved over time?

Explanation:

1. Made of Cells: Bacteria are prokaryotic cells. A typical bacterial cell has a cell wall, cell - membrane, cytoplasm, and a circular DNA molecule in the nucleoid region.
2. Homeostasis (water balance): Bacteria use osmosis to balance water. They may have transport proteins to move water and solutes across the cell membrane. Some bacteria can also accumulate compatible solutes to counteract osmotic stress.
3. Metabolism (energy acquisition): Some bacteria are autotrophs (e.g., photoautotrophs use photosynthesis like cyanobacteria, chemoautotrophs obtain energy from inorganic chemical reactions). Others are heterotrophs, obtaining energy from organic compounds.
4. Reproduction: Bacteria reproduce asexually by binary fission. The cell replicates its DNA, elongates, and then divides into two identical daughter cells.
5. Growth and Development: Bacteria grow by increasing in size and number through binary fission. Under favorable conditions, they can have a rapid growth rate.
6. Response to Stimuli: Bacteria can sense and respond to environmental changes such as changes in temperature, pH, nutrient availability. They may move towards or away from stimuli through a process called chemotaxis (using flagella).
7. Evolution: Bacteria evolve through genetic mutations and horizontal gene transfer (e.g., transformation, transduction, and conjugation). These mechanisms allow them to adapt to new environments and develop resistance to antibiotics.

Answer:

1. Made of Cells: Draw a cell with cell - wall, cell - membrane, nucleoid (circular DNA), and cytoplasm.
2. Homeostasis (water balance): Use osmosis and transport proteins; may accumulate compatible solutes.
3. Metabolism (energy acquisition): Can be autotrophic (photo or chemo) or heterotrophic.
4. Reproduction: Binary fission.
5. Growth and Development: Increase in size and number by binary fission.
6. Response to Stimuli: Sense and respond to environmental changes, may exhibit chemotaxis.
7. Evolution: Through genetic mutations and horizontal gene transfer.