Bacteria is a unicellular prokaryotic organism. The structure of the bacteria consists of three major parts: Outer layer (cell envelope), cell interior, and additional structures. Outer layer (Cell envelope): It includes the cell wall of bacteria and the plasma membrane beneath it.
The bacteria’s cell wall is the outer rigid and chemically complex structure. It is in between the cell membrane and the capsule/slime layer. The cell wall of the bacteria maintains the shape of the cell and protects the bacteria from changes in osmotic pressure. The bacteria’s cell wall makes up 20-30% of the cell’s dry weight.
Inside the cytoplasm are ribosomes that synthesize proteins, the nucleoid which contains most of the bacteria's genetic material, and plasmids which contain genes that confer a selective advantage, such as antibiotic resistance. Bacterial structure and functions Videos, Flashcards, High Yield Notes, & Practice Questions.
Many bacteria secrete extracellular polymers outside of their cell walls called glycocalyx. These polymers are usually composed of polysaccharides and sometimes protein. Capsules are relatively impermeable structures that cannot be stained with dyes such as India ink. They are structures that help protect bacteria from phagocytosis and desiccation.