BACTERIA AND ARCHAEA

• At the end of this unit, a student should be able to... • Describe characteristics of prokaryotic cells and distinctions among major groups of bacteria • Explain the basis and rationale for the classification system of bacteria • Describe the structure and common shapes of prokaryotic cells • Compare the cell wall of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria • Summarize the three forms of genetic recombination in prokaryotes • Describe the factors that contribute to the rapid evolution of bacteria (and antibiotic resistance) • Identify ecological roles of bacteria • List Koch’s postulates • Identify adaptations that have contributed to pathogen success • Describe various specialized ecological niches of archaea