Which statement correctly differentiates Archaea from Bacteria?
A. Both contain peptidoglycan in cell walls
B. Archaea are more closely related to bacteria than to eukaryotes
C. Archaea have unique membrane lipids and lack peptidoglycan
D. Bacteria survive in extreme environments, Archaea do not
Answer (2)
The correct statement differentiating Archaea from Bacteria is that Archaea have unique membrane lipids and lack peptidoglycan. This highlights the distinct structural features of their cell walls and membrane compositions. Understanding these differences is essential for studying biological classification and diversity.
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The correct statement that differentiates Archaea from Bacteria is option (C): Archaea have unique membrane lipids and lack peptidoglycan.
Here's a detailed explanation of the differences between Archaea and Bacteria:
Cell Wall Composition :
Archaea : The cell walls of archaea do not contain peptidoglycan. Instead, they have unique cell wall structures that can contain proteins or polysaccharides, and their membranes have lipids that often consist of ether linkages, which are different from those found in Bacteria.
Bacteria : Most bacterial cell walls contain peptidoglycan, which is a polymer that provides structural support and shape.
Membrane Lipids :
Archaea : Archaeal membrane lipids are composed of branched isoprenoid chains attached to glycerol by ether bonds. This distinctive lipid composition is one reason why Archaea can survive extreme environmental conditions.
Bacteria : Bacterial membranes have unbranched fatty acid chains attached to glycerol by ester bonds.
Environmental Adaptations :
Archaea : Many archaea live in extreme environments such as hot springs, salt lakes, and other harsh conditions. They are extremophiles, which means they thrive in environments with extreme temperature, pH, or salinity.
Bacteria : While certain bacteria can survive in challenging environments, archaea are particularly well-known for thriving in extremely harsh conditions.
Evolutionary Relationship :
Archaea are actually more closely related to eukaryotes than to bacteria, despite sharing similar prokaryotic characteristics with bacteria.
Each of these points highlights the unique aspects and adaptations that differentiate archaea from bacteria. Understanding these differences is crucial for studying microbial life and its evolutionary history.
