Chapter 8

Prokaryotes

8.1 Lesson 8.1: Bacteria

Lesson Objectives

• Describe the cellular features of bacteria.


• Explain the ways in which bacteria can obtain energy.


• Explain how bacteria reproduce themselves.


• Identify some ways in which bacteria can be helpful.


• Identify some ways in which bacteria can be harmful.

Check Your Understanding

• How do prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells differ?

Answer: Eukaryotic cells have a membrane-bound nucleus while prokaryotes do not.

• What are some components of all cells, including bacteria?

Answer: cell membrane, cytoplasm, etc.

Introduction

About 3.5 billion years ago, long before the first plants, people, or other animals appeared,
prokaryotes were the first life forms on Earth. Recall thatprokaryotesare single-celled
organisms that lack a nucleus, and that the prokaryotes include bacteria and archaea. For