Archaea And Bacteria

Archaea and Bacteria are two types of microorganisms that are classified as Prokaryotes, or prokaryotic organisms. Prokaryotes, on the other hand, do not include all archaea and bacteria. Previously, archaea were classified as bacteria, but this is no longer the case because it has been discovered that they both have distinct biochemistry as well as distinct evolutionary histories.

Archaea and Bacteria do not have organelles or a nucleus that are found in membranes. 

Archaea

They are single-celled organisms that are composed of cells that have distinct characteristics that distinguish them from the other two domains of life, namely the Eukaryota and the Bacteria.

They make use of a variety of energy sources and exhibit a wide range of chemical reactions during their metabolism. They are divided into nutritional groups based on the reactions they cause. That is either reliant on carbon-based energy sources or on fossil fuels. One group of archaea harnesses the power of the sun as a source of energy. Phototrophs are the scientific term for these organisms. However, none of these organisms are capable of producing oxygen through photosynthesis.

The other types of archaea, such as ammonia and sulphur, obtain their energy from inorganic compounds such as these. Either anaerobic methane oxidizers, nitrifiers, or methanogens are included in this category. An electron acceptor and an electron donor are involved in this reaction, with one compound acting as an electron acceptor and the other as an electron donor. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is released as a result of the energy released during the reaction. The process is similar to one that can be found in some eukaryotic cells and is one of the same fundamental processes.

Classification and Characteristics of Archaea

Molecular phylogenetics, which compares the sequence of rRNA genes, is used to classify archaea, which are bacteria.

1.Euryarchaeota –

Methanogens and halobacteria are among the organisms in this group. Their habitats include marshy areas, extreme temperatures, high salt concentrations, and high salinity. For example, Halobacteria, Thermoplasma, and Methanococcus are all bacteria.

2.Crenarchaeota-

They are primarily found in marine environments, which makes sense. Many of these organisms are sulphur-dependent extremophiles. They are organisms that thrive in high temperatures or in extreme temperatures. Many species are deficient in histones. For example, Sulfolobus and Pyrobaculum.

Bacteria

Microorganisms known as bacteria are single-celled organisms that typically live in a variety of environments. The nucleoid, which is the bacterial DNA structure, is a twisted thread-like mass that flows freely. They even have a cellular structure that performs a variety of circular functions, ranging from the transfer of energy to the transport of proteins to the formation of new cells. Bacteria are made up of plasmids, which are circular pieces of DNA that are found in circular patterns.

Bacterial cells are made up of two parts: the inner cell membrane and the outer cell wall (or cell wall). Some bacteria, such as mycoplasmas, do not have a cell wall, which makes them susceptible to infection. In some cases, bacteria can be distinguished by the presence of a third protective outer layer within the cell, which is referred to as a capsule. Pili are used to cover surfaces.

Diagram of Bacteria

Structure of Bacteria

Bacterial structure is characterised by its straightforward body design. Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that lack a nucleus and other cell organelles, and as a result, they are categorised as prokaryotic organisms, which means they do not have a nucleus or other cell organelles.

They are also extremely adaptable organisms, capable of surviving in the most hostile of environments. Venn Diagram of Archaea And Bacteria

Difference between Archaea And Bacteria

Conclusion

Above, we discussed the differences between archaea and bacteria and discovered that they are only superficially different from one another. Both organisms, on the other hand, are single-celled microorganisms that share some morphological characteristics but differ in other aspects. They even thrive in a different environment, which is why they are kept in a separate group. Archaeal cells are distinguished from the other two domains of life, Bacteria and Eukarya, by a single property that distinguishes them from one another. Archaea is further subdivided into a number of familiar phyla as a result of the subsequent process.