1. Bacteria have a single, circular chromosome. White blood cells have many, (more-or-less) linear chromosomes. (Exact number depends on species.)
2. The bacterial chromosome is loose within the cell. In white blood cells (and other eukaryotic cells), the chromosomes are contained within the neucleus.
3. Bacteria do not (generally) contain organelles. (Although some may contain gas vesicles or simple nutrient storage structures.)
4. Bacterial ribosomes are smaller than eukaryotic ribosomes. (70S vs. 80S)
5. Bacteria have a cell wall, white blood cells do not.
6. Depending on the type of bacteria they may or may not photosynthesize (eg. cyanobacteria). White blood cells never photosynthesize.
7. Some bacteria may have cilia and/or flagella.
8. A bacterium is a complete organism all on its own. A white blood cell is part of a much larger organism.
9. Bacteria reproduce via "binary fission" or "budding", white blood cells replicate via mitosis.
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Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can be harmful or helpful, while white blood cells are a type of cell in the immune system that help fight off infections and foreign invaders. Bacteria can cause infections and diseases in the body, while white blood cells work to recognize and destroy harmful pathogens to keep the body healthy.
Alpha hemolysis is a partial breakdown of red blood cells, causing a greenish discoloration around the colony of bacteria. Beta hemolysis is a complete breakdown of red blood cells, resulting in a clear zone around the colony of bacteria.
Alpha hemolytic bacteria partially break down red blood cells, causing a greenish discoloration on blood agar plates, while beta hemolytic bacteria completely break down red blood cells, leading to a clear zone around the bacterial colonies on blood agar plates.
One key genetic difference is the presence of a nucleus in human cells, which bacteria lack. Human cells have linear chromosomes enclosed within the nucleus, while bacteria have a single circular chromosome located in the cytoplasm. Additionally, bacteria may have plasmids, small circular DNA molecules that are often absent in human cells.
The immune system fights bacteria that enters the body. It does this by using various defense mechanisms such as white blood cells, antibodies, and complement proteins to identify and destroy the invading bacteria.
Phagocytosis by white blood cells, such as macrophages and neutrophils, is an example of the immune system's innate defense mechanism against disease-causing bacteria. These cells recognize and engulf the bacteria to prevent infection and promote immunity.