Differences Between Archaea and Bacteria

What are the main differences between domain bacteria and archaea?

Domain Bacteria and Archaea are two distinct types of microorganisms classified as prokaryotes. What sets them apart from each other?

Domain Bacteria and Archaea are two domains of life that are categorized as prokaryotes, meaning they lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. While they may share certain similarities, such as being single-celled organisms, there are key differences that distinguish them from each other.

Cell Wall Composition

One of the main differences between Archaea and Bacteria lies in the composition of their cell walls. Bacterial cell walls are typically made up of peptidoglycan, a polymer consisting of sugars and amino acids. On the other hand, Archaea have cell walls composed of different substances, such as pseudopeptidoglycan or protein.

Biochemical Differences

Archaea and Bacteria also differ in terms of their biochemistry. For example, Archaea have unique membrane lipids known as isoprenoids, while Bacteria have fatty acids in their cell membranes. Additionally, Archaea use different mechanisms for DNA replication and protein synthesis compared to Bacteria.

Environmental Adaptation

Another notable difference between Archaea and Bacteria is their adaptation to different environments. Archaea are known to thrive in extreme environments such as hot springs, deep-sea vents, and salty lakes. In contrast, Bacteria can be found in a wide range of habitats, including soil, water, and living organisms.