Bacteria are unicellular prokaryotic organisms that lack a true nucleus and are classified under the kingdom Monera. They exist in various shapes (cocci, bacilli, spirilla, and vibrios) and can be found in diverse environments, playing essential roles in ecosystems as well as causing diseases in hosts. Bacteria reproduce primarily asexually through binary fission, but can also form spores to withstand unfavorable conditions and engage in sexual reproduction via conjugation to exchange genetic material.