Bacterial Classification and Diversity

Start with bacterial characteristics

Begin with the mind map Microbiology: Systematic Bacteriology. It organizes bacterial classification around characteristics such as appearance and structure, growth requirements, metabolic tests and molecular tests. Its branches also include shape and size, giving you a place to start before working through questions.

Next, use Bacteria categories and classification to look at the order from category and group to genus, species and variant. It also includes bacterial morphology and forms of cocci. Compare its branches with the characteristics in the first map as you study.

Practice with quizzes and flashcards

The Bacteria Taxonomy quiz asks about groups including Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, Spirochetes and Fusobacteria. Try it after reviewing the maps, then return to the relevant branches when you want to work through a question again.

The flashcard deck on bacterial taxonomy asks for examples associated with spherical and rod shapes, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative examples. Use the cards alongside the morphology map: look at a shape in the map, then use the cards to practice recalling examples.

A quiz on bacterial classification also asks about conditions for growth and bacterial classes. You can use it after the introductory map to practice moving between classification characteristics and named groups.

Connect the topic to the unit

Taxonomy is another mind map to consult for nomenclature and classification. It includes genotypic, phenetic and phylogenetic classification, as well as rules for writing genus and species names. Compare its terminology with the order shown in Bacteria categories and classification.

Bacterial Classification and Diversity is a section of the Microbial Cell Structure, Diversity and Classification unit in Microbiology and immunology. These resources offer different ways to work through the section: maps for organizing terms, flashcards for recall and quizzes for practice. Choose a resource that fits where you want to begin.