This photograph shows what Eubacteria look like under a microscope.
JPL/NASA
The Domain Eubacteria
Eubacteria, also know as “true bacteria”, are microscopic prokaryotic cells.
Cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, are Eubacteria that have been living on our planet for over 3 billion years. Blue-green algae grow in the shallow parts of the ocean. Today it is only common in certain regions, but a few billion years ago, there was tons of it! Through photosynthesis, which produces oxygen, billions of tiny bacteria were able to add oxygen to Earth’s atmosphere. This allowed animals that breath oxygen to survive.
Some Eubacteria can cause health problems like strep throat and food poisoning. Bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella are sometimes found in undercooked meat and eggs and can make people sick. Other bacteria are good to eat, such as those in yogurt.
People have found that some types of Eubacteria can be very useful. Some are used at wastewater treatment plants to help clean the water. Others are also used to make grapes into wine and milk into cheese.
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The
Spring 2010 issue of The Earth Scientist, focuses on the ocean, including articles on polar research, coral reefs, ocean acidification, and climate. Includes a gorgeous full color poster!
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