Probiotics, as microorganisms with a variety of beneficial functions for the human body, vary in shape, size, and structure depending on the species. The morphological characteristics of probiotics, as well as their function-related structural characteristics, are described in detail below.
First, the basic form of probiotics.
Probiotics are generally spherical or fusiform, but they can also be bacilli-like or other irregular shapes. When viewed under a microscope, it can be seen that its shape is regular and uniform in size. Different types of probiotics have different forms. For example, lactic acid bacteria are usually globular or rod-shaped; Bifidobacteria are mostly rod-shaped, bifurcated, etc. These morphological characteristics help people identify and distinguish between different probiotic species.
2. Structural characteristics of probiotics.
Cell wall: Probiotics have a strong cell wall that protects them from the outside environment. The composition and structure of the cell wall vary depending on the probiotic species, but they all typically contain components such as polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids. These components are essential for maintaining the integrity and stability of the cell wall.
Cell membrane: The cell membrane is an important channel for the exchange of substances inside and outside the cell of probiotics. It is composed of a phospholipid bilayer that is selectively permeable and can control the movement of substances in and out of cells. The cell membrane also contains a variety of enzymes and receptors that are involved in activities such as metabolism and signaling of the cell.
Genetic material: The genetic material of probiotics is mainly DNA, which is located in the nucleometric region of the cell. DNA carries all the genetic information needed for the growth and reproduction of probiotics, and is the core of cellular life. In probiotics, there are also some plasmid DNA, and these DN** segments can be replicated independently and carry some specific genetic information, such as antibiotic resistance genes, etc.
Ribosomes: Ribosomes are the site of protein synthesis within the cells of probiotics. It is made up of RNA and proteins, and the corresponding proteins can be synthesized based on the genetic information on the mRNA. Probiotics have a higher number of ribosomes, which can meet their needs for rapid growth and reproduction.
3. Morphological differences of different types of probiotics.
Lactic acid bacteria: Lactic acid bacteria are a common class of probiotics with various forms, including globular, rod-shaped, etc. When viewed under a microscope, you can see that the lactic acid bacteria cells are closely arranged, forming a chain or stacked structure. Some lactic acid bacteria also have a variety of attachments on the surface, such as exopolysaccharides, which help lactic acid bacteria colonize and function in the intestine.
Bifidobacteria: Bifidobacteria are another important class of probiotics, and their forms are mostly rod-shaped, bifurcated, etc. Bifidobacteria have a thick cell wall that can resist the erosion of stomach acid and bile, so that they can reach the intestine smoothly and function. Bifidobacteria can bind closely to intestinal epithelial cells in the intestine to form a biological barrier to prevent the invasion of harmful bacteria.
Yeast: Yeast is a single-celled fungus and one of the common probiotics. Yeast has a variety of morphologies, including spherical, oval, etc. When viewed under a microscope, it can be seen that there are distinct structures such as nuclei and mitochondria inside the yeast cells. Yeast can produce a variety of beneficial substances, such as vitamin B group, enzymes, etc., which have a positive effect on human health.
Fourth, the morphological and functional relationship of probiotics.
The morphology of probiotics is closely related to their function. For example, the globular and rod-shaped morphology of lactic acid bacteria helps them colonize and multiply in the gut; The rod-shaped morphology of Bifidobacteria can increase its contact area with intestinal epithelial cells, thereby improving its biological barrier effect; The spherical morphology of the yeast helps it to disperse evenly in the medium during fermentation, improving fermentation efficiency.
In short, probiotics have diverse morphologies and complex structures, and different types of probiotics have different morphological characteristics and functional effects. Understanding the morphological and structural characteristics of probiotics can help people better recognize and understand their important role and application value in the field of human health.