Bacillus Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Bacillus

Bacillus subtilis, Gram stained
Scientific classification
Domain:	Bacteria
Division:	Firmicutes
Class:	Bacilli
Order:	Bacillales
Family:	Bacillaceae
Genus:	Bacillus Cohn, 1872

Bacillus is a group of tiny living things called bacteria. These bacteria are shaped like small rods. They are also known as Gram-positive bacteria. This means they have a special outer layer on their cell wall.

Bacillus bacteria are found almost everywhere in nature. They need oxygen to live and grow, just like humans do. They get energy by doing something called aerobic respiration. This is how cells use oxygen to make energy. Some Bacillus types live freely without harming anyone. Others can be parasitic, meaning they live on or in other living things and can sometimes cause diseases.

Special Survival Skills
Important Types of Bacillus
Images for kids
See also

Special Survival Skills

When conditions get tough, like when there isn't enough food, Bacillus bacteria have a cool trick. They can make something called an endospore. Think of an endospore as a super-tough survival capsule. It's not a real spore, but it lets the bacteria go into a deep sleep. They can stay in this dormant, or inactive, state for a very long time. When conditions get better, they can "wake up" and start growing again.

Important Types of Bacillus

Some types of Bacillus are very well-known:

Bacillus anthracis: This is the bacteria that causes a serious disease called Anthrax.
Bacillus subtilis: This type is often used in science labs. Scientists study it a lot because it's a good model organism. It's also used in genetic engineering, where scientists change genes.
Bacillus cereus: This one can cause a type of food poisoning. It often happens when food is not stored or cooked properly.
Bacillus thuringensis: This Bacillus is helpful for farmers. It makes a special toxin that can kill certain moths and butterflies. Because of this, it's used as a natural way to control pests.