Transcript

NARRATOR:

These rod-shaped bacteria are about to replicate. There are eight in this culture, but each bacterial cell is about to divide into two. Now there are 16 bacteria, and soon there will be 32.

Under ideal conditions, some bacteria can divide in as little as 20 minutes. A bacterial infection can take hold so quickly because bacteria can double their numbers in such a short time unless something keeps them in check. Handwashing with soap, vaccination to boost the immune system, and anti-bacterial drugs may halt this replication cycle. But left unchecked, in less than four days, this bacterial culture would weigh as much as the Earth.