What are the characteristics of bacteria?

Bacteria are characterized as small, prokaryotic cells that lack membrane-bound organelles. This classification as prokaryotes means that bacterial cells have a simpler structure compared to eukaryotic cells, which contain organelles such as a nucleus, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum. Instead, the genetic material in bacteria is typically organized in a single circular chromosome that floats freely in the cytoplasm, rather than being enclosed within a nuclear membrane.

Additionally, bacteria have a rigid cell wall composed of peptidoglycan, which helps maintain their shape and protects them from external stresses. Their small size allows them to reproduce quickly by binary fission, leading to rapid population growth. These defining characteristics are fundamental to understanding the role of bacteria in various ecosystems and their applications in fields such as medicine and biotechnology.