distinguishing features of the 5 kingdoms

what was classification originally based on?

observable features

as scientific technology advanced we were able to study more features of organisms such as

• ribosomal RNA

• RNA polymerase

• cell’s membrane and lipid structure

• sensitivity of cell to antibiotics

• DNA (sequence of bases in DNA)

• proteins (the sequence of bases of amino acids in a protein)

what was discovered in late 1900s surrounding advancements in domains?

• study of ribosomal RNA and RNA polymerase uncovers 2 distinct groups within the prokaryotes

• resulted in a new taxonomic level at top of hierarchy (domains)

what are the differences within prokaryotes that led to domains becoming a thing?

• molecular structure

• metabolic pathways

• structure of cell walls, membrane and flagella

what are the 3 domains?

• eukarya

• archaea

• bacteria

what size are each domains ribosomes and what is their RNA polymerase like?

Eukarya:

• 80s ribosomes

• RNA polymerase contains 12 proteins

Archaea:

• 70s ribosomes

• RNA polymerase of different organisms contains between 8 and 10 proteins. Very similar to eukaryotic ribosomes

Bacteria:

• 70s ribosomes

• RNA polymerase contains 5 proteins

which domains are the most and least similar?

• Archaea appear to have more in common with Eukarya than with bacteria.

• Archaea are thought to have separated from bacteria very early on in evolution.

• Archaea and Eukarya diverged later.

what are the 5 kingdoms?

• Prokaryotae (bacteria)

• Protoctista ( the unicellular eukaryotes)

• Fungi (e.g. yeasts, moulds and mushrooms)

• Animalia (the animals)

• Plantae

what are some general features of prokaryotae?

• Unicellular

• No nucleus or membrane bound organelles - ring of 'naked' DNA - small ribosomes

what are some general features of protoctista?

• (mainly) unicellular

• A nucleus and other membrane bound organelles

• Some are sessile, but others move by cilia, flagella or by amoeboid mechanisms

• Nutrients are acquired by photosynthesis (autotrophic feeders), ingestion of other organisms (heterotrophic feeders), or both - some are parasitic

what are some examples of some prokaryotae?

• Escherichia coli

• Staphylococcus aureus

• Bacillus anthracis

examples of protoctista

• Paramecium

• Amoeba

general features of fungi

• Unicellular or multicellular

• A nucleus and other membrane bound organelles and a cell wall mainly composed of chitin

• No chloroplasts or chlorophyll

• No mechanisms for locomotion

• Most have a body or mycelium made of threads or hyphae

• Nutrients are acquired by absorption - mainly from decaying material - they are saprophytic feeders - some are parasitic

• Most store their food as glycogen

examples of fungi

• Mushrooms

• Moulds

• Yeast

general features of plantae

• Multicellular

• A nucleus and other membrane bound organelles including chloroplasts, and a cell wall mainly composed of cellulose

• All contain chlorophyll

• Most do not move, although gametes of some plants move using cilia or flagella

• Nutrients are acquired by photosynthesis - they are autotrophic feeders - organisms that make their own food

• Store food as starch

examples of plantae

• Roses

• Trees such as oak

• Grasses

general features of animalia

• Multicellular

• A nucleus and other membrane bound organelles (no cell walls)

• No chloroplasts

• Move with the aid of cilia, flagella, or contractile proteins, sometimes in the form of muscular organs

• Nutrients are acquired by ingestion - they are heterotrophic feeders

• Food stored as glycogen 

examples of animalia

• Mammals such as cats

• Reptiles such as lizards

• Birds

• Insects

• Molluscs

• Worms

• Sponges

• Anemones