List the five features associated with living organisms. Compare the machine and coding functions of a microbial cell. Name the four classes of cellular macromolecules. The architecture of a cell can be considered either prokaryotic or eukaryotic, but despite significant structural differences, all cells have many things in common. Viruses, by contrast, are not cells but show certain features of cellular organisms.
Chromosomes are the structures containing the genes necessary for survival.
Structural and functional diversity among microorganisms is substantial. Bacillus subtilis is a common soil bacterium. Section 1.5 Microorganisms exist in nature in populations that interact with other populations in microbial communities. The activities of microbial communities can greatly affect the chemical and physical properties of their habitats. Section 1.6 Microorganisms can be grown in the laboratory in culture media containing the nutrients they require.