Chapter 10: Classification of Microorganisms

Question 1

Q: What are the characteristics of the Bacteria domain?

Answer 1

A:
* Prokaryotic organisms
* Cell walls contain peptidoglycan
* Membranes have ester-linked phospholipids
* Reproduce by binary fission
* Diverse metabolism (aerobic, anaerobic, photosynthetic, etc.)

Question 2

Q: What are the characteristics of the Archaea domain?

Answer 2

A:
* Prokaryotic organisms
* Cell walls lack peptidoglycan; may contain pseudopeptidoglycan
* Membranes have ether-linked phospholipids
* Often live in extreme environments (halophiles, thermophiles, methanogens)
* Unique ribosomal RNA sequences

Question 3

Q: What are the characteristics of the Eukarya domain?

Answer 3

A:
* Eukaryotic organisms (contain nucleus and membrane-bound organelles)
* Includes plants, animals, fungi, and protists
* Linear chromosomes
* Cell division by mitosis and meiosis
* May or may not have cell walls (e.g., cellulose in plants, chitin in fungi)

Question 4

Q: How can you differentiate Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya?

Answer 4

A:
* Bacteria and Archaea are prokaryotes; Eukarya are eukaryotes.
* Bacteria have peptidoglycan in their cell walls; Archaea do not.
* Eukarya have membrane-bound organelles, while Bacteria and Archaea do not.

Question 5

Q: What are the differences between prokaryotic, eukaryotic, and viral organisms?

Answer 5

A:
* Prokaryotic: No nucleus, unicellular, binary fission, smaller (e.g., bacteria).
* Eukaryotic: Nucleus, membrane-bound organelles, larger, can be unicellular or multicellular.
* Viral: Acellular, require a host to reproduce, consist of DNA or RNA and a protein coat.