The small dots you often see in bacteria cells represent ribosomes. Ribosomes are essential cellular structures responsible for protein synthesis. In bacteria, ribosomes are free-floating within the cytoplasm, and they serve as the site where the cell translates genetic information into proteins.
Bacteria, being prokaryotic organisms, do not have a defined nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, which distinguishes them from eukaryotic cells. The presence of ribosomes in the cytoplasm allows bacteria to rapidly produce proteins necessary for their survival and reproduction. These tiny dots can appear in various quantities, sometimes helping to visually distinguish between different bacterial species based on their cellular activity.
Moreover, the ribosomes in bacteria are slightly different from those in eukaryotes in terms of size and composition, which is why certain antibiotics can target bacterial ribosomes specifically without affecting eukaryotic cells. This unique feature makes ribosomes an essential focus in microbiology and medicine.