Bacteria are organisms that have a single cell and have no distinct nucleus. They belong to the realm of Monerans. They are microscopic and can measure between 0.5 and 5 micrometers. Its shape can be classified as bacilli, similar to a cane coconuts, which are spherical, vibrios, spirilla and spirochetes, the latter of a spiral. The species used for movement moving filaments called flagella. Some live freely in the water or land, and others need to parasitize other organism to survive. Saprophytic bacteria are living on dead bodies of plants and animals and serve the function of these bodies break down into simpler substances, suitable to be absorbed by plants. The symbiotic bacteria living in animals, plants and the human body. In some cases they are essential for physiological functions, as in ruminants, as they act within them in the decomposition of plant fibers. Finally, bacteria are autotrophic, ie carrying out photosynthesis.
About 200 species of bacteria cause disease in humans. They include those producing tetanus, cholera, plague, tuberculosis, typhoid fever and syphilis.
Bacteria play an important role in many diverse industries, such as snuff processing, pharmaceuticals, cheese, yogurt and detergents.
The bacteria are found in decomposing food and cause changes that are detected by odor and unpleasant taste.