Introduction to the Kingdom Monera. Main characteristics, classification and different types of bacteria. Translation revision by Steven T. Gosch.

1. Pablo León Cruz www.biogeosfera.es
KINGDOM MONERA

2. The monera
Main characteristics of monera
 They are commonly called bacteria.
 They are prokaryotic organisms: the genetic material is dispersed in the
cytoplasm.
 They are unicellular beings of very small size: 3 to 5 µm.
 They can live anywhere on the planet, as they can withstand any
temperature, pressure or humidity.

3. The monera
Main characteristics of monera
 Nutrition: Although there are some autotrophic bacteria such as
cyanobacteria, they are generally heterotrophic organisms. Because they
consume organic matter, they can be classified into:
 Saprophytes: Obtain nutrients from decomposing organic matter.
 Parasites: Obtain nutrients from other living beings, which they
parasitize and cause damage.
 Symbiotes: Obtain nutrients from other living beings in an association
that produces a mutual benefit.
 Interaction: Free-living organisms that sometimes form colonies.
 Reproduction: Most reproduce asexually by bipartition.

4. The monera
Main types of bacteria
Bacteria are classified according to their external form.
 Cocci: Spherical shape.
 Diplococci: Cocci in groups of two.
 Tetracocci: Cocci in groups of four.
 Streptococci: Cocci that form chains.
 Staphylococci: Cocci in irregular clusters.
 Bacilli: Cylindrical shape with rounded ends.
 Vibrios: Comma-like shape with one wider end.
 Spirils: Helical shape.
Cocci Bacilli Spirils Vibrios

5. Parts of a bacterium

6. Importance of monera
Monera are important for the following reasons
 The photosynthetic bacteria that inhabited the oceans in the past released
large amounts of oxygen, making it the most abundant gas in the atmosphere
and thus allowing for terrestrial life.
 Bacteria are within the group of decomposing organisms in ecosystems,
which transform dead organic matter into simpler substances that can be
used by plants.
 Within the intestine are the intestinal flora, a set of bacteria that help the
degradation of food and the absorption of nutrients.
 Certain bacteria are used in industry to manufacture foods such as yogurt and
cheese, create medicines or extract metals in mines.
 Bacteria are important in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP, where
wastewater is treated to produce clean water), where they break down
organic waste present in the water.
 Pathogenic bacteria capable of producing diseases such as salmonellosis,
tetanus and meningitis if they are introduced into living beings.

7. Moneras and antibiotics
The problem of bacteria and antibiotics
It is common to hear that bacteria are becoming more resistant to the
antibiotics we use against them and many antibiotics are losing their
effectiveness.
The cause of this greater resistance is due to the misuse of the medications,
such as using them in cases of mild infection or against diseases caused by
viruses, against which the antibiotic has no effect. When taking antibiotics in
cases of mild infection, some bacteria die but the most resistant ones remain.
Those which have not been affected by the antibiotic can spread through the
rest of the population, causing antibiotics to need to become increasingly
sophisticated to fight against these resistant bacteria.
The only solution to avoid increasing the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics
are extreme hygienic measures and decreasing the use of antibiotics, using
them only when absolutely necessary.
Adapted and translated from: https://biologia-geologia.com/BG1/731_moneras.html