Bacteria (domain)
- Scope note
- Members of the group of true bacteria, which is one of two major groups of prokaryotic organisms, and one of the three major divisions of living organisms. The division of the bacteria into two groups arises from studies of their ribosomal RNA, which indicates that they are as different from each other as they are from eukaryotes (plants and animals). Bacteria and Archaea (formerly called Eubacteria and Archaebacteria) are thought to have evolved separately from a common ancestor early in Earth's history. Bacteria and Archaea differ in important characteristics, such as the number of ribosomal proteins and the size and shape of the ribosomal S unit. Use generally for unicellular microscopic protists, spherical, rodlike, or spiral in form, or clustered into filamentous colonies, reproducing by cell division, by asexual spores, or by imperfectly understood sexually processes. Various types have chemical effects, such as fermentation, nitrogen fixation, and putrefaction, or cause diseases.
- Date of creation: 29-Apr-2024
Accepted term: 29-Apr-2024 
