Prokaryotes: Understanding the Domains of Life
Prokaryotes are classified as belonging to two different domains. What are the domains?
A) Bacteria and Eukarya
B) Archaea and Monera
C) Eukarya and Monera
D) Bacteria and Protista
E) Bacteria and Archaea
Final answer: Prokaryotes are classified into two domains: Bacteria and Archaea (option E).
Answer:
The correct answer is option E) Bacteria and Archaea.
Prokaryotes, which are organisms without a true nucleus, are classified into two different domains: Bacteria and Archaea. These two domains consist mainly of single-celled organisms lacking a nucleus. The remaining domain of life, Eukarya, includes organisms with cells containing a nucleus.
The classification of life forms involves three domains: Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. Prokaryotes, such as bacteria and archaea, are placed in the first two domains due to their lack of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. On the other hand, Eukarya comprises organisms with cells containing a nucleus, including animals, plants, fungi, and various kingdoms previously categorized as protists.
Despite both Bacteria and Archaea being prokaryotic, they are distinct from each other as well as from Eukarya, leading to their classification into separate domains. This classification system helps organize and understand the diversity of life on Earth based on fundamental cellular characteristics.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option E) Bacteria and Archaea, with the explanation provided above.