Domain archaea

Archaea

Single-celled prokaryotic microorganisms that form one of the three domains of life.

Prokaryotic

A type of cell characterized by the absence of a membrane-bound nucleus and internal organelles.

Cell Wall Composition in Archaea

Does not contain peptidoglycan; typically composed of pseudopeptidoglycan, glycoproteins, or pure polysaccharides.

Ether-linked lipids

Type of lipids found in Archaea, as opposed to ester-linked lipids in Bacteria and Eukarya.

Methanogens

Obligate anaerobes that produce methane as a metabolic byproduct and inhabit anoxic environments.

Halophiles

Organisms adapted to high salt concentrations, utilizing specialized proton pumps to generate ATP.

Thermophiles

Organisms that thrive at high temperatures, possessing heat-stable enzymes and membrane structures.

Asgard Archaea

Considered the closest prokaryotic relatives to Eukaryotes, representing a bridge in evolutionary importance.

Branched isoprenoids

Hydrocarbon chains found in Archaea that differ from unbranched fatty acids in other domains.

RNA polymerases in Archaea

Similar to those in eukaryotes, highlighting their genetic and molecular closeness to Eukarya.