In: Biology
1. Briefly explain the three domains of living organisms.
2. Tabulate the difference between prokarytic and eukaryotic cells.
Answer 1: Carl Woese proposed a radical reorganization of the five kingdoms into three domains. In this classification system, Woese placed all four eukaryotic kingdoms (Protista, fungi, Plantae, Animalia) into single domain called Eukarta, also known as Eukaryotes. Eukaryotes have a membrane-bound nucleus.
The second domain is Archaea are single-celled organisms that lack nucleus and consist of Extremophiles (halophiles and thermophiles)
The third domain is Bacteria. Bacteria are also single-celled organisms that lack nucleus and consist of proteobacteria, cyanobacteria, spirochaetes, chlamydias and eubacteria.
Answer 2:
Features of prokaryotic organisms:
True membrane-bound nucleus: absent
DNA complexed with histone: absent
Number of chromosomes: one (mostly0
Mitosis and meiosis: absent
Genetic recombination: partial (unidirectional transfer of DNA)
Sterol in plasma membrane: absent (except mycoplasma)
Ribosome: 70S
Unit membrane-bound organelles: absent
Cell wall: present in most of the prokaryotic cells. In eubacteria, it is made of peptidoglycan.
Features of eukaryotic organisms:
True membrane-bound nucleus: present
DNA complexed with histone: present
Number of chromosomes: more than one
Mitosis and meiosis: present
Genetic recombination: by crossing over during meiosis
Sterol in plasma membrane: present
Ribosome: 80S (cytosol) and 70S (organelles)
Unit membrane-bound organelles: present
Cell wall: made up of cellulose in plant and chitin in fungi. Absent in animal cells.