Differences Between Archaea and Bacteria

Questions and Answers

What is the difference between archaea and bacteria?

Archaea have more complex RNA polymerases than bacteria and do not contain peptidoglycan in their cell walls.

Know the structure of a bacterium?

Answer not provided.

How can bacteria transfer their DNA?

Bacteria can transfer their DNA via transduction, bacterial conjugation, and transformation.

What is the function of bacteria in the environment?

Bacteria play important roles in decomposition and nitrogen cycling. Signup and view all the answers

Name several diseases caused by bacteria.

Pneumonia, among others. Signup and view all the answers

What do viruses carry?

Genetic information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between viruses and bacteria?

Viruses are smaller than bacteria and require living hosts to multiply. Signup and view all the answers

Label the structures of a virus.

Answer not provided. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a lytic and a lysogenic infection?

The lytic cycle results in the lysis of the host cell, while the lysogenic cycle does not. Signup and view all the answers

What are useful applications of diseases caused by viruses?

Answer not provided. Signup and view all the answers

What are the defining characteristics of domain archaea?

Answer not provided. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a capsule?

The capsule keeps bacteria from drying out and helps maintain cell shape. Signup and view all the answers

Define nucleoid.

A part of the cell that contains all the genetic information. Signup and view all the answers

Define binary fission.

An asexual reproduction process that is the most common type of reproduction in prokaryotes. Signup and view all the answers

Define transformation.

A thorough dramatic change in form or appearance. Signup and view all the answers

Define transduction.

The process where foreign DNA is introduced into a cell by a virus. Signup and view all the answers

Define conjugation.

The combination of two substances. Signup and view all the answers

Define viroid.

A virus consisting of only nucleic acid without a protein coat. Signup and view all the answers

Define prion.

A protein that is believed to be the cause of brain disease. Signup and view all the answers

What is a function that both bacteria and archaea serve in the environment?

Answer not provided. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Differences Between Archaea and Bacteria

Archaea have complex RNA polymerases, similar to eukaryotes, while bacteria have simpler versions.
Archaea's cell walls lack peptidoglycan, a key component found in bacterial cell walls.
Membrane lipid bonding differs: archaea have unique bonding compared to bacteria and eukarya.
Genetic differences exist between archaea and bacteria.

Structure of a Bacterium

Bacterium cells typically possess a cell wall, plasma membrane, cytoplasm, nucleoid containing DNA, and ribosomes.

DNA Transfer in Bacteria

Transduction: DNA movement between bacteria via viruses (bacteriophages).
Conjugation: Direct DNA transfer through cell-to-cell contact, often using plasmids.

Ecological Functions of Bacteria

Bacteria are crucial for decomposition, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
They play a vital role in the nitrogen cycle, facilitating nutrient availability for ecosystems.

Diseases Caused by Bacteria

Pneumonia is a key bacterial infection, primarily caused by Streptococcus and Mycoplasma species.

Genetic Information in Viruses

Viruses carry genetic information, essential for their replication within host cells.

Differences Between Viruses and Bacteria

Viruses are smaller and obligate intracellular parasites; they require a living host to reproduce.
Viruses hijack host cell machinery to replicate themselves.

Lytic vs. Lysogenic Infections

The lytic cycle results in the destruction (lysis) of the host cell, while the lysogenic cycle allows the virus to integrate into the host genome without immediate harm.
Phages in the lytic cycle are termed virulent; those capable of both cycles are temperate phages.

Capsule Function in Bacteria

Capsules protect bacteria from desiccation and help maintain cell shape.

Definitions of Key Terms

Nucleoid: The region in prokaryotic cells containing genetic information.
Binary Fission: A form of asexual reproduction, predominant in prokaryotes.
Transformation: Significant alteration in form or appearance, often referred to in genetic contexts.
Transduction: Introduction of foreign DNA into a bacterium via a virus.
Conjugation: The combining of genetic material from two cells.
Viroid: A small infectious agent comprised solely of nucleic acid, lacking a protein coat.
Prion: Abnormal proteins implicated in neurodegenerative diseases.

Common Functions of Bacteria and Archaea

Both groups play essential roles in nutrient cycling and ecosystem functioning, contributing to biological processes crucial for life.

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamental differences between Archaea and Bacteria, including their cellular structures, DNA transfer mechanisms, and ecological roles. You'll learn about unique features such as RNA polymerases, cell wall composition, and their contributions to ecosystems and human health.