Bacteria (FULL ✧)

We use bacteria to make food (yogurt, cheese, sauerkraut), treat sewage, and even produce medicines like insulin. 3. The Bad: Pathogens

Bacteria are nature’s recyclers. They break down dead organic matter and "fix" nitrogen in the soil, which plants need to grow. bacteria

Bacteria reproduce through (splitting in two). Because they reproduce so quickly—some species every 20 minutes—they evolve rapidly. This has led to the global challenge of antibiotic resistance , where "superbugs" evolve defenses against the drugs designed to kill them. 5. Shapes and Classification Scientists often classify bacteria by their shape: Cocci: Spheres (e.g., strep throat). Bacilli: Rods (e.g., anthrax). Spirilla: Spirals (e.g., cholera). We use bacteria to make food (yogurt, cheese,