Archaea: Structure, Function, and Ecology

Mr. Anderson discusses archaea, initially thought to inhabit only extreme environments, but later found to be widespread. He explains their place in the phylogenetic tree, highlighting their closer relation to eukaryotes than bacteria. Archaea are prokaryotic, lacking a nucleus and organelles, with unique cell membranes and walls. They exhibit diverse metabolic strategies, including phototrophy and methanogenesis. Archaea reproduce via binary fission and have applications in digestion and biogas production.

What method was used to study archaea in the ocean?

• DNA Sequencing

• CRISPR-Cas9

• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

• Gene Cloning

Where were archaea initially thought to be found?

• In the atmosphere

• In harsh environments like hot springs

• In the ocean

• In the human gut

According to the phylogenetic tree, which group are humans more closely related to?

• Bacteria

• Archaea

• Fungi

• Plants

What is a key difference between archaea and bacteria in terms of cell structure?

• Shape of ribosomes

• Size of the cell

• Type of cell wall

• Presence of a nucleus

What type of linkage is found in the membrane lipids of archaea?

• Ester linkage

• Peptide linkage

• Glycosidic linkage

• Ether linkage

How do phototrophic archaea obtain energy?

• By oxidizing iron

• By consuming organic matter

• By breaking down sulfur

• By using sunlight

What is a methanogen?

• An organism that produces oxygen

• An organism that generates methane gas

• An organism that lives in acidic environments

• An organism that consumes methane

How do archaea reproduce?

• Through mitosis

• Through meiosis

• By binary fission

• By budding

What is the shape of the chromosomes in archaea?

• Helical

• Circular

• Linear

• Spiral

In what way are archaea beneficial to cows?

• They enhance growth rate

• They produce milk

• They prevent diseases

• They help in digesting cellulose