Bacteria characteristics

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Infographics showing the structure, shapes and arrangements of bacteria.

Bacteria are single-cell organisms composed of a cytoplasm containing a nucleoid and ribosomes and surrounded by two protecting coverings, the plasma membrane and the cell wall. Elongated extensions - long ones called flagella and short ones called pili - often covers the surfaces of bacteria and help them to move.

Bacteria come in a myriad of shapes, being the main ones round (cocci), capsule-shaped (bacilli) and spiral.