Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store

Eubacterium: Definition, Types, and Importance

share icon
share icon
banner

Eubacterium Structure and Functions in Biology

Eubacteria, also known as "true" bacteria, are single-celled prokaryotic microorganisms that have a variety of characteristics and can be found in a variety of environments around the world. Except for archaebacteria, this term encompasses all types of bacteria. Because eubacteria are so common, they belong to one of the three domains of life: Bacteria. Eubacterium treatment is accomplished through the use of medications.


Characteristics of Eubacteria 

Eubacteria, or microorganisms without a defined membrane nucleus, share a number of characteristics. They lack membrane-bound organelles because they are prokaryotes. The cellular wall of most eubacteria is made up of peptidoglycans in a cross-linked chain pattern. This provides the bacteria's wall with the strength it requires to maintain its shape and size in changing environments. Small molecules can pass through the cell wall, but larger molecules and ions require the presence of carrier proteins and channel proteins in order to enter the cell.

A flagellum is a structure found in some bacteria (a structure composed of protein filaments that is used for movement). Other bacteria have pili, which are small projections on the cell's surface used for adhering to surfaces and transferring DNA. A biofilm is formed when a large number of bacteria attach to a surface and are surrounded by a polysaccharide sac. This compound has a high level of antimicrobial resistance.

The cytosol is the fluid contained by the bacteria's plasma membrane. It is primarily composed of water (about 80%), but it has a gel-like consistency due to the presence of dissolved nutrients, cytoskeletal elements, DNA, and other substances. We can define ribosomes as organelles composed of RNA and protein that complete the process of protein translation in Eubacteria.


Types of Eubacteria

Bacteria are classified into three types based on their shape: bacilli, cocci, and spirilla. Bacilli are rod-shaped, cocci are spherical, and spirilla are spiral- or wave-shaped. Bacteria may remain linked after division, forming clusters, filaments, and tight coils.

Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and Miscellaneous Eubacteria are the most common types of Eubacteria. While the Domain Bacteria contains many phyla of eubacteria, these relationships are constantly changing and are still being defined based on new DNA experiments. 

The bacterial outer membrane is an additional layer that surrounds the cell wall in some bacteria. This extra layer cannot be stained with a Gram stain, which is commonly used by researchers to classify bacteria. As a result, they are known as “Gram-negative” bacteria or Gram-positive bacteria are those that can be seen with a Gram stain. Gram-negative bacteria typically contain more pathogenic to humans species, whereas Gram-positive bacteria are either beneficial or non-harmful to human health.


Examples of Eubacteria

The Eubacteria domain is home to Escherichia coli, abbreviated as E. coli. It belongs to the Proteobacteria phylum. Because it is rod-shaped and Gram-negative, it has a second membrane surrounding its cell wall. E. coli is commonly found in the guts of many different warm-blooded hosts, including humans – though it can become pathogenic under the right conditions. The majority of strains are harmless (and may even be beneficial), but some can cause food poisoning and other illnesses. The bacteria can only survive for a short period of time outside of a host.

Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as S. pneumoniae, is a common eubacteria. It is a member of the Firmicutes phylum. It is Gram-positive and has a spherical shape. S. pneumoniae can be found in the respiratory tract, nasal cavity, and sinuses of healthy hosts. The bacteria, however, can become pathogenic and spread to other parts of the body, frequently causing pneumonia and meningitis in immunocompromised hosts. In large quantities, the bacteria can cause a variety of illnesses, including but not limited to bronchitis, acute sinusitis, and sepsis.

Both of these examples demonstrate how the Gram-positive vs. Gram-negative classification of pathogenic bacteria can be deceptive. Many bacteria species can be beneficial or harmful depending on the circumstances.


What is the Mode of Nutrition in Eubacteria?

Both heterotrophic and autotrophic organisms feed on Eubacteria. The most well-known type of nutrition in eubacteria is heterotrophic, which means they must consume food from other organic carbon sources, primarily plant or animal matter. Autotrophs, on the other hand, produce their own food through photosynthesis.


Eubacteria Respiration

Aerobic or anaerobic eubacterial respiration is possible. Aerobic – Survive in the presence of oxygen (strict aerobes) or switch to anaerobic respiration in the absence of oxygen (non-strict aerobes) (facultative anaerobes). Anaerobes use a type of respiration known as fermentation. Some anaerobes can exist in both the presence and absence of oxygen. These are referred to as facultative anaerobes.


Eubacterium Limosum and Eubacterium Limosum Treatment

Eubacterium limosum (strain KIST612) is known as an acetogenic Gram-positive bacterium that is frequently isolated from an anaerobic digester and has a rapid growth rate on synthesis gas (CO; carbon monoxide) when used as the sole energy source.

Names are as follows: KIST612 Eubacterium limosum

Anaerobic respiration necessitates the use of oxygen.

Site of isolation: anaerobic digester


Eubacterium Hallii

Eubacterium hallii is a human gut microbe that can grow and produce butyrate from a variety of carbon sources, including glucose, acetate, and lactate. Eubacterium dolichum is another well-known eubacteria.

Eubacterium eligens is a type of bacteria.


Eubacterium Eligens

Clostridium cluster XIVa members Eubacterium spp are anaerobic Gram-positive non-spore-forming rods; strain ATCC 27750 is a human-gut derived bacterium. Little is known about the role this bacterium plays in the human digestive tract.


Among the Firmicutes, pectin stimulated Eubacterium eligens in particular, while insulin stimulated several species.

Want to read offline? download full PDF here
Download full PDF
Is this page helpful?
like-imagedislike-image

FAQs on Eubacterium: Definition, Types, and Importance

1. What are Eubacteria?

Eubacteria, often referred to as 'true bacteria', constitute a vast domain of prokaryotic microorganisms. They are distinguished by their rigid cell walls containing peptidoglycan and, if motile, possess flagella. Found in nearly every habitat on Earth, they represent a significant portion of the planet's biomass.

2. What are the key characteristics that define Eubacteria?

Eubacteria possess several defining characteristics that are essential for their classification:

  • Cell Wall: They have a rigid cell wall primarily made of peptidoglycan, providing structural integrity.

  • Cellular Structure: Being prokaryotes, they lack a membrane-bound nucleus. Their genetic material, a single circular chromosome, is located in a region called the nucleoid.

  • Ribosomes: They contain 70S type ribosomes for protein synthesis, which differ from the 80S ribosomes found in eukaryotes.

  • Reproduction: Primarily reproduce asexually through binary fission.

  • Respiration: They exhibit diverse metabolic pathways and can be aerobic, anaerobic, or facultative anaerobes.

3. How do Eubacteria reproduce?

Eubacteria mainly reproduce asexually through a process called binary fission, where one cell divides to form two identical daughter cells. This allows for rapid population growth. While they do not undergo true sexual reproduction, they can exchange genetic material through processes like conjugation (transfer via a pilus), transformation (uptake of DNA from the environment), and transduction (transfer via a virus), which promotes genetic diversity.

4. What is the main difference between Eubacteria and Archaebacteria?

The most fundamental difference between Eubacteria and Archaebacteria lies in their cell wall and membrane composition. The cell wall of Eubacteria contains peptidoglycan, which is completely absent in Archaebacteria. Additionally, their cell membranes are structurally different; Eubacteria have ester-linked lipids, while Archaebacteria have ether-linked lipids, an adaptation that helps them survive in extreme environmental conditions.

5. How are Eubacteria classified based on their mode of nutrition?

Based on their method of obtaining nutrients, Eubacteria are broadly classified into two major groups:

  • Autotrophs: These bacteria produce their own food. They include photosynthetic autotrophs like Cyanobacteria, which use sunlight, and chemosynthetic autotrophs, which derive energy from chemical reactions with inorganic substances.

  • Heterotrophs: This is the largest group. They obtain energy by consuming organic matter from other sources. They function as decomposers (saprophytes), symbionts, or pathogens (parasites).

6. Why are Cyanobacteria considered Eubacteria and not true algae?

Despite being called 'blue-green algae' and performing photosynthesis, Cyanobacteria are classified as Eubacteria because they possess a prokaryotic cell structure. They lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other complex organelles such as chloroplasts and mitochondria, which are defining features of algae and all other eukaryotic organisms. Their cellular organisation is fundamentally that of a bacterium.

7. Are Eubacteria generally helpful or harmful to humans?

Eubacteria are a diverse group with both beneficial and harmful members. Many are incredibly helpful; for example, species like Lactobacillus are used to produce curd from milk, and many gut bacteria help in digestion and vitamin synthesis. On the other hand, numerous Eubacteria are pathogenic, causing serious diseases such as typhoid (Salmonella typhi), cholera (Vibrio cholerae), and tuberculosis (Mycobacterium tuberculosis).

8. What is the ecological importance of Eubacteria?

Eubacteria are ecologically indispensable. They are the primary decomposers in most ecosystems, breaking down dead organic material and recycling essential nutrients. Their role in nutrient cycling is critical; for instance, they are vital in the nitrogen cycle, where different species perform nitrogen fixation, nitrification, and denitrification, making nitrogen available for plants and maintaining soil fertility.


Competitive Exams after 12th Science
tp-imag
bottom-arrow
tp-imag
bottom-arrow
tp-imag
bottom-arrow
tp-imag
bottom-arrow
tp-imag
bottom-arrow
tp-imag
bottom-arrow