How Microbes Function

Bacteria

The shapes of bacteria can vary. Rod averages 1.5 to 3.0 microns long. Spheres diameters range from 0.5 to 1.0 microns.

Stage 1

Flagella

the wiggling filaments generally believed to be responsible for motility (movement) of most free-swimming bacterial cells.

Stage 2

Fungi

Tend to be filamentous. These non-photosynthetic organic plants use organic matter for their carbon and energy.

Stage 3

Algae

are often green (with many other colors found) and have many shapes. Unlike fungi and bacteria, Algae uses light for energy.

Stage 1

Understanding the Microbial Process

Bacteria feed by absorption through their cell membranes.

  1. Stage 1: Bacteria secrete extracellular enzymes that break down large particulates and solids. These enzymes are produced continuously.
  2. Stage 2: The reduced particles are absorbed through the outer membrane where additional cellular enzymes process them further.
  3. Stage 3: The particles then enter the inner cell, where enzymes complete the breakdown of organic matter.

This process results in the production of CO2 and H2O, while simultaneously seeding new bacteria through cell division. Time and oxygen availability are crucial when using bacterial inoculants for treatment.

Bacterial Cell Structure

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