What type of organisms are bacteria categorized as?

Bacteria are categorized as single-celled organisms, which means that they consist of just one cell. This characteristic distinguishes them from multicellular organisms, which are made up of many cells working together to form complex structures and functions, such as plants and animals.

Being single-celled allows bacteria to perform all necessary life processes within that one cell. They have a simple cellular structure and can be found in a vast range of environments, from extreme conditions like hot springs to more common environments like soil and even within the human body.

Bacteria differ significantly from fungi, which are typically multicellular and have a more complex structure, as well as from viruses, which are not classified as living organisms since they require a host cell to replicate and do not perform metabolic functions on their own. Understanding these classifications helps in studying microbiology, ecology, and the role of microorganisms in various ecosystems.