Taxonomy of Prokaryotes

Taxonomy of Prokaryotes

• Traditional Classification:

  • Historically, all living organisms were classified into five kingdoms.
  • Prokaryotes were grouped into the kingdom Monera (or Prokaryotae).

• Modern Classification:

  • The classification system has been updated in recent years due to extensive research by Carl Woese and his colleagues.

• Domain System:

  • Woese proposed a domain system based on differences in the structure of ribosomes and cell membranes.
  • This system suggests that life on Earth evolved along three primary lines:
    • Bacteria
    • Archaebacteria (Archaea)
    • Eukarya

• Acceptance:

  • The domain system is now widely accepted in the scientific community.

• Domains:

  • Archaea
  • Bacteria
  • Eukarya