Describe three key features that distinguish each domain of living organisms: Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukaryotes. Identify two features that all three domains share.

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: Each domain has multiple features that distinguish them. Domain Archaea is the most primitive of the organisms. They also have a unique biochemistry. This is relevant when thinking about RNA traits and how they divide them from other types of prokaryotes. Domain Archaea also has an ability to survive in both harsh and extreme environments. An example of this would be thermophiles. Thermophiles can tolerate extreme heat. Archaea are adaptive to harsh conditions and even changes within environments like food. A third feature that distinguishes Archaea from others is that they have hydrocarbon chains that are branched within membrane lipids. These lipids are attached to glycerol. What does extra branching have to do with anything? Well, it provides the Archaea with stability within higher temperatures. Domain Bacteria can be easily distinguished. Unlike other domains, they have diacyl glycerol diester lipids that are inside of their cell membranes. This domain consists of pathogenic prokaryotic organism and also has a genome that consists of rRNA. Their rRNA is bacterial. When comparing bacteria to archaea, bacteria does not have linkages in their lipids. This kingdom is very diverse which results in them having a high rate of reproduction. Lastly, there is domain Eukaryota. Eukaryotes have two processes of cell division: mitosis and meiosis. The cell division divides by binary fission. Every organism, that is a eukaryote, contains a membrane-bound cellular organelle. Each organelle has its on specialized function. Examples would include mitochondria being the powerhouse of the cell. Although these domains have their differences, they do have a few similarities. For example, they all have DNA which represents their genetic material. They also all have rRNA, which is the building block for their domain classification

Biology & Microbiology

You might also like to view...

Which of the following is a fitness trade-off (compromise)?

A) In some hornbill species, the male helps seal the female in a tree with her nest until the young are ready to fledge. B) Hummingbirds are the best pollinators of certain flowers, but bees are the best pollinators for orchids. C) The strong, thick beak of a woodpecker helps it find insects in trees. D) Turtle shells provide protection but are heavy and burdensome when moving.

Biology & Microbiology

________ is an unusual base found in the DNA of T4 phages.

What will be an ideal response?

Biology & Microbiology

What is the main function of DNA helicase in DNA replication?

A) Unzipping the DNA double helix B) Adding complementary DNA bases to the newly forming DNA strand C) Proofreading the DNA molecule D) Fusing DNA fragments together

Biology & Microbiology

Which list of components characterizes RNA?

a. a PO3 group, deoxyribose and uracil b. a PO3 group, ribose, and uracil c. a PO3 group, ribose and thymine d. a PO2 group, deoxyribose, and uracil e. a PO2 group, deoxyribose, and thymine

Biology & Microbiology