F. Classification of Microorganisms - ARCHEA

Taxonomy

Classifies organisms into taxa based on hierarchy

D K P C O F G S

Utilized classifications

• Membrane/walls

• nucleus

• energy transportation (including carbon)

• organelles

• reproduction

• morphology

• thriving environment

Archea

• lack peptidoglycan cell wall

• the cell membrane branched to hydrocarbon chians

• Not know to cause disease

Archeas 4 Phyla

1. Crenarchaeota

2. Euryarchaeota

3. Kor(Y)archaeota

4. Nanoarchaeota

Extremophiles

• Require extreme environments

• Saline, PH, temperature

Extremophiles - Prominent members

• Thermophiles (heat-loving organisms)

• Halophiles (salt-loving organisms)

• Thermophiles (heat-loving organisms)

• Halophiles

• T =DNA, RNA, Proteins, cytoplasmic membranes cannot function below 45c

• H = Temps over 80c

Halophiles

• All Euryarchaeota

Inhabit extremely saline habitats

– Depend on greater than 9% NaCl

(~17-23%) to maintain integrity

of cell walls

– Many contain red or orange

pigments to protect from visible and UV light

Methanogens

• Largest group of archaea

• Convert

– CO2, H2, and organic acids à CH4(g)

• Environmental Roles

– Convert organic wastes in pond,

lake, and ocean sediments to CH4(g)

– One of primary sources of

environmental CH4(g)

• Some live in colons of animals