Archaea Species Quiz: Hot Springs, Hydrothermal Vents, and Biomining

Study Notes

Prokaryotic Organisms

Prokaryotic organisms, including archaebacteria and eubacteria, make up two of the three domains of life on Earth.
They are single-celled organisms that lack a nucleus and organelles.

Archaebacteria

Archaebacteria, also known as archaea, were recognized as a separate domain in the 1990s based on their unique genetic material.
They are prokaryotic organisms that are more closely related to eukarya than eubacteria.
Archaea can be found in extreme environments, such as hot springs, acidic mines, and frozen glaciers, as well as in more moderate environments.
They have evolved to occupy niches with extreme conditions, similar to those on Earth 4-2.5 billion years ago.
Archaea have been found in the gut of cows, and are not limited to extreme environments.

Characteristics of Archaebacteria

Lack a nucleus and organelles.
Have a unique cell structure, with a plasma membrane that can be a monolayer rather than a bilayer.
Have a variety of cell walls, including a layer that protects and gives the cell its shape.
Have pili, which allow cells to attach to surfaces and play a role in DNA transfer.
Have flagella, which allow for movement.

Metabolisms of Archaebacteria

Can be grouped by their means of obtaining energy, such as phototrophs, lithotrophs, and organotrophs.
Can break down simple chemicals for energy, such as sulfur or ammonia.
Can break down organic material for energy.

Habitats of Archaebacteria

Can be found in extreme environments, such as high temperatures, acidic conditions, and high salinity.
Can be found in environments with conditions not conducive to supporting life, such as hot springs and hydrothermal vents.
Can also be found in more moderate environments, such as soils and the gut of humans.

Eubacteria

Were previously grouped with archaea, but are now recognized as a separate domain.
Are prokaryotic organisms that lack a nucleus and organelles.
Are found in moderate environments, rather than extreme environments.

Characteristics of Eubacteria

Lack a nucleus and organelles.
Have a region within the cell called the nucleoid, where genetic material is stored.
Have a single chromosome, with genes that code for similar proteins grouped together.
Have a cell wall that gives the cell its shape and strength.
Can have a capsule surrounding the cell wall, allowing for water retention and attachment to surfaces.

Metabolisms of Eubacteria

Can be classified by their means of obtaining energy, such as chemoorganotrophs, chemolithotrophs, and photoautotrophs.
Can feed on carbohydrates, inorganic molecules, and light.
Can break down organic material for energy.

Habitats of Eubacteria

Can be found in moderate environments, such as soils, water, and the human gut.
Can be found in and on other organisms, and can be beneficial or harmful to those organisms.

Reproduction of Prokaryotic Organisms

Both archaebacteria and eubacteria reproduce by a process of binary fission.
The parent cell divides into two new daughter cells, each with the genetic information of the original parent cell.
Genetic material can be transferred between cells through horizontal gene transfer.

Role of Prokaryotic Organisms in the Environment

Archaea and eubacteria play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and are not limited to extreme environments.
They can be found in abundance and are widespread among living organisms.
They can assist with nutrient cycling, plant stress responses, and interactions between bacteria and the host organism.

Description

Test your knowledge of archaea species living in extreme environments, their potential applications in biomining, and their diverse habitats. Explore the world of Crenarchaeota, Euryarchaeota, and Thaumarchaeota.