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Chapter 2: Problem 2

What are the three domains and six kingdoms of organisms, and what traits characterize each one?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The three domains of organisms are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Bacteria are prokaryotic cells with circular DNA and a peptidoglycan cell wall. Archaea are prokaryotic cells that inhabit extreme environments and lack peptidoglycan in their cell walls. Eukarya are eukaryotic cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. The six kingdoms within the Eukarya domain are Animalia (multicellular heterotrophs), Plantae (multicellular autotrophs with cellulose cell walls), Fungi (unicellular or multicellular organisms with chitin cell walls), Protista (mostly unicellular, diverse eukaryotes), Archaebacteria (extremophilic bacteria-like organisms), and Eubacteria (true bacteria).

Step by step solution

01

Introduce the three domains of organisms

The three domains of organisms are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. These domains were introduced by Carl Woese and represent the highest level of classification in biological systems.
02

Explain the characteristics of Bacteria Domain

The Bacteria domain consists of prokaryotic cells that have a simple, single-cell structure without nucleus (their DNA is not inside a nucleus). They have circular DNA, 70S ribosomes, and a cell wall made of peptidoglycan. Bacteria generally reproduce asexually through binary fission.
03

Explain the characteristics of Archaea Domain

The Archaea domain also consists of prokaryotic cells, but they differ from bacteria in several ways. Archaea cell walls lack peptidoglycan, they have unique lipids in their cellular membranes, and they inhabit extreme environments (such as hydrothermal vents or high-salt environments). Examples include methanogens, halophiles, and thermophiles.
04

Explain the characteristics of Eukarya Domain

The Eukarya domain consists of eukaryotic cells, which are more complex than prokaryotic cells. Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus enclosed within nuclear membranes and other membrane-bound organelles. They also have linear DNA and 80S ribosomes.
05

Introduce the six kingdoms within the Eukarya Domain

The six kingdoms within the Eukarya domain are Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, Protista, Archaebacteria, and Eubacteria. These kingdoms represent various major groups of various organisms, which will be further discussed in the following steps.
06

Explain the characteristics of Animalia Kingdom

The Animalia kingdom consists of multicellular, heterotrophic organisms that obtain nutrients by consuming other organisms. They lack cell walls and their cells are organized into tissues with specific functions. Examples include insects, birds, mammals, and humans.
07

Explain the characteristics of Plantae Kingdom

The Plantae kingdom consists of multicellular, autotrophic organisms that produce their energy through photosynthesis. They have cell walls made of cellulose and chloroplasts as organelles for photosynthesis. Examples include mosses, ferns, conifers, and flowering plants.
08

Explain the characteristics of Fungi Kingdom

The Fungi kingdom consists of unicellular (e.g., yeasts) or multicellular (e.g., mushrooms) organisms that absorb nutrients from decaying organic matter. They have cell walls made of chitin. Examples include molds, mushrooms, and yeast.
09

Explain the characteristics of Protista Kingdom

The Protista kingdom consists of mostly unicellular, eukaryotic organisms that are not easily classified as animals, plants, or fungi. They can be autotrophic or heterotrophic, and they may move with the help of cilia or flagella. Examples include amoebas, paramecia, and algae.
10

Explain the characteristics of Archaebacteria Kingdom

The Archaebacteria kingdom consists of bacteria-like organisms under the domain Archaea. They have a simple cellular structure but are genetically and biochemically distinct from other bacteria. As previously mentioned, they inhabit extreme environments.
11

Explain the characteristics of Eubacteria Kingdom

The Eubacteria kingdom consists of true bacteria that fall under the Bacteria domain. These organisms can thrive in various environments, and they can be beneficial (e.g., by aiding digestion) or harmful (e.g., causing infections).

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