Bacteria vs. Archaea: What Makes Them Different?

How are bacteria and archaea different?

A. the bacterial cell wall is composed of starch, whereas the archaeal cell wall contains cellulose

B. bacteria but not archaea can perform photosynthesis

C. the DNA of archaea but not bacteria is wrapped around histones

D. the organelles of archaea but not bacteria are membrane-bound

Answer:

The DNA of archaea but not bacteria is wrapped around histones.

There are significant differences between bacteria and archaea that set them apart. One major distinction lies in the organization of their genetic material. While bacteria lack histones, which are protein molecules that help package DNA, archaea have DNA molecules wrapped around histones.

When DNA is wrapped around histones, it allows for a higher level of organization and regulation of gene expression. This structural feature is reminiscent of eukaryotic cells, such as those found in plants and animals, which also possess histones.

On the other hand, bacteria do not have histones associated with their DNA, which means their genetic material is structured and controlled differently. This fundamental difference in DNA packaging is just one of the many factors that distinguish bacteria from archaea.