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For some years now, many people have been suffering from varying bacterial infections or have used bacteria for different beneficial purposes in life without them knowing which group of bacteria brings which kind of effects with it.Due to this reason, scientists were prompted to come up with a proper way of recognizing uniquely, groups of bacteria and their corresponding characteristics. To achieve all this, a proper classification of bacteria was established which recognizes the diversity of bacterial species. Unique allocation of names to different groups is done in this given class and at the same time grouping of all those organisms with similar characteristics is also performed. A well done classification of bacteria can be put up basing on the bacteria cell wall structure, using molecular methods or at times basing on differences in cell components such as fatty acids, antigens, DNA, pigments and even quinones. By classifying bacteria using their cell wall structures, we are able to notice that different groups of bacteria appear in varying colors when put under the Gram stain experiment which was developed in 1884 by Hans Christian Gram. The bacteria that stain purple are said to belong to the group of thick layers of peptidoglycan which are in the category of "Gram-positive". The pink stained ones are usually said to belong to the thin layers in the "Gram-negative. When we combine morphology and Gram-staining, it is possible to classify bacteria in the following four groups; Gram-positive cocci, Gram-positive bacilli, Gram-negative cocci and finally Gram-negative bacilli. Diagnostics using DNA based tools such as polymerase chain reaction, are proving to be increasing their popularity each day that passes. The reason behind this is that, this method is highly recognized for its specificity and high speed capabilities. Moreover, the method allows the detection and identification of "viable" cells that are metabolically active but are non-dividing. Further classification of bacteria can be achieved by looking at how it interacts with other organisms.They are known to form complex symbiotic associations with other existing organisms in the ecosystem and this association can further be broken down to parasitism, commensalism and also mutualism.When we have bacteria forming parasitic associations with other organisms, the group is then referred to as pathogens.This group of bacteria is said to cause infections like tetanus, syphilis,typhoid fever,cholera, leprosy, tuberculosis and even food borne illnesses.Therefore,they are said to be the most harmful type of bacteria that can exist in human bodies. Commensal bacteria are small in size and due to this fact,they are said to be ubiquitous and are able to grow on animals and even in plants exactly the same way as they would have grown on any other given surface.In cases of large populations of these bacteria in humans,body odor is most likely to be produced. In other cases,we find that there are certain bacteria which form close spatial associations that are usually necessary for their survival.The bacteria that are found in this group are known as Mutalists and one mutalistic association called interspecies hydrogen transfer, takes place between clusters of anaerobic bacteria which are supposed to consume organic acids. However, these bacteria are not able to consume the organic acids like they are supposed to.The reason here is that,when they consume the organic acids, a reaction takes place and excess hydrogen is produced and it accumulates in their surroundings.This occurrence harms the bacteria as they require limited amounts of hydrogen to grow well.So be informed about the actual category of bacteria you are dealing with, before you advance on any treatment. Wangeci Kinyanjui is an expert on research and reporting on Health Matters for years.To get more information on classification of bacteria visit her site at CLASSIFICATION OF BACTERIA
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