MICROBIAL DIVERSITY

Question 1

What is microbial diversity?

Answer 1

Microbial diversity refers to the vast variety of microorganisms that exist in the environment, each with distinct characteristics and functions.

Question 2

How do archaea differ from bacteria?

Answer 2

Archaea are more chemically distinct from bacteria, often live in extreme environments, and have unique metabolic pathways.

Question 3

What are the major groups of microbes in eukarya?

Answer 3

The major groups include fungi, protists, and algae, all of which have complex cellular structures with membrane-bound organelles.

Question 4

What is the primary difference between Bacteria and Archaea?

Answer 4

Bacteria are prokaryotic cells with peptidoglycan in their cell walls, while Archaea are prokaryotic but have unique membrane lipids and lack peptidoglycan in their cell walls. Archaea are often extremophiles.

Question 5

What are the main characteristics of Eukarya?

Answer 5

Eukarya are eukaryotic organisms, meaning they have a defined nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. They include plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

Question 6

Name one characteristic that distinguishes Archaea from Bacteria.

Answer 6

Archaea have unique membrane lipids and do not contain peptidoglycan in their cell walls, unlike bacteria.