Hidden Diversity in Bacteria

When people hear the word bacteria, they usually think germs or diseases. However, bacteria are one of the most diverse groups of organisms on earth. They can be found anywhere and everywhere. Not all bacteria are bad! The term bacterial diversity refers to the variety, abundance, and distribution of different bacterial species within a particular ecosystem, microbiome, or sample. Bacterial diversity provides many different resources that can be utilized.

Scientists study bacterial diversity by looking at the shape and arrangement. There are three basic shapes of bacteria. Some bacteria are round, called

cocci. Others are rod-shaped, called bacilli. Some even have a spiral (curved) shape, called Spirilla. Some bacteria are paired in an arrangement, called diplo-. Others are grape-like clusters, called staphylo-. Some are even in chains, called strepto-.

Many bacteria differ in what they do and where they live. Some are helpful and necessary, while others are dangerous and invasive. There are bacteria in our digestive system that help with the breakdown of food and support the immune system. Other bacteria live in the soil, which help plants grow. Some bacteria even produces antibiotic, substances that kill and/or stop the growth of other bacteria that are not healthy.

Not all bacteria are helpful. Some bacteria cause infections and diseases, which is why scientists study them very closely. Scientists study the differences between harmful and beneficial bacteria in microbiology. Scientists also study the DNA of

bacteria closely so that they can differentiate the species of bacteria and understand how they are related. Some bacteria look alike under the microscope but are sometimes genetically different. By studying and differenetiating bacteria, many scientists can identify novel bacteria and learn more about how bacteria evolve.

Bacterial diversity is important because these microorganisms affect nearly every part of our lives. The next time you hear the word bacteria, try to remember that they are not just germs, but that they are a diverse and essential part of life.