Play Dough Models: Types/Shapes of bacteria

The following models are the shapes and arrangements of bacteria found in the environment. 

1. Spirillum - spiral shaped bacteria

2. Bacillus - rod shaped bacteria

3. Coccus - circular shaped bacteria

Spirillum bacteria are only found alone as a singular entity. But the other two types of bacteria are found either linked in a chain, or in groups and clusters. Bacteria found in clusters use the prefix "staphlo" and bacteria found linked together have the prefix "strepto". 

The structure of a typical bacterium is displayed in the following clay diagram:

A. Plasma Membrane: outermost border of the cytoplasm and the internal part of the cell wall. 

B. Cell wall: a protective layer of the cell that is permeable allowing materials in and out of the cell, and protecting the organelles. 

C. Capsule: Adhered to the surface of the cell wall, the capsule is a storehouse for nutrients and a shield against dehydration and harmful channges in the environment. 

D. Genetic material

E. Cytoplasm: Suspends the organelles within the bacterial cell. 

F. Pili: Help anchor bacterium to a surface, and assist in the exchange of genetic material via conjugation. 

G. Ribosomes: Composed of protein and ribonucleic acid, the site where protein synthesis occurs. 

H. Endospore: The organelle that is used for survival in harsh conditions. 

I. Flagellum: Thin fibers made of protein responsible for the movement of the bacterium.