What does P. Aeruginosa bacteria look like?
P. Aeruginosa bacteria are prokaryotic, rod-shaped, gram-negative
cells; they have no membrane-bound nucleus and very few organelles. The
opportunistic pathogen, as can be seen in the diagram on the left, consists
of:
· A capsule – an additional outer layer that protects the cell, helps retain moisture and allows the cell to stick to surfaces and nutrients.
· A cell wall – gives shape to the cell.
· A plasma membrane – regulates the flow of nutrients and liquids coming in and leaving the cell.
· Cytoplasm – a gel-like substance, mainly made of water however also contains enzymes and cell components. (water and nutrient source for the cell)
· Ribosome – responsible to the production of protein.
· Plasmid – carries circular DNA structures that are not involved in the reproduction process.
· Pilli – hair-like structures, that assist the bacteria in attaching to surfaces, or other bacteria (during reproduction and exchange of genetic material).
· Nucleoid (DNA) – area within the cell containing DNA molecules.
· Single Flagellum – long thin tail-like structure that allows the cell to move.
P. Aeruginosa simple structure allows for rapid reproduction through binary fission (dividing in half). P. Aeruginosa measures 0.5 to 0.8 µm by 1.5 to 3.0 µm (strong microscope is needed in order to see bacterium).
cells; they have no membrane-bound nucleus and very few organelles. The
opportunistic pathogen, as can be seen in the diagram on the left, consists
of:
· A capsule – an additional outer layer that protects the cell, helps retain moisture and allows the cell to stick to surfaces and nutrients.
· A cell wall – gives shape to the cell.
· A plasma membrane – regulates the flow of nutrients and liquids coming in and leaving the cell.
· Cytoplasm – a gel-like substance, mainly made of water however also contains enzymes and cell components. (water and nutrient source for the cell)
· Ribosome – responsible to the production of protein.
· Plasmid – carries circular DNA structures that are not involved in the reproduction process.
· Pilli – hair-like structures, that assist the bacteria in attaching to surfaces, or other bacteria (during reproduction and exchange of genetic material).
· Nucleoid (DNA) – area within the cell containing DNA molecules.
· Single Flagellum – long thin tail-like structure that allows the cell to move.
P. Aeruginosa simple structure allows for rapid reproduction through binary fission (dividing in half). P. Aeruginosa measures 0.5 to 0.8 µm by 1.5 to 3.0 µm (strong microscope is needed in order to see bacterium).