Characteristics of the 6 Kingdoms of Life
The six kingdoms of life are grouped into 3 domains, based on cell structure: Bacteria Archaea Eukarya
Bacteria “Prokaryotic” (which means they do not have a nucleus) Single-celled Have cell walls made of a compound called peptidoglycan Autotrophic (which means they make their own energy from inorganic materials) and heterotrophic (which means they obtain energy from consuming other organisms) Use various processes for cell energy, including photosynthesis, chemosynthesis, cellular respiration, fermentation Asexual reproduction Live nearly everywhere
Archaea Prokaryotic Single-celled Have cell walls made of various compounds, but not peptidoglycan Heterotrophic Use various processes for cell energy, including chemosynthesis, cellular respiration, fermentation, and “methanogenesis” (the metabolic production of methane, which is unique to archaea). Do not use photosynthesis. Asexual reproduction Live nearly everywhere, including extreme environments
Eukarya “Eukaryotic” (which means they DO have a nucleus) and organelles surrounded by membranes In the Eukarya domain there are 4 kingdoms: Protista Plantae Fungi Animalia
Protista Eukaryotic (have a nucleus) - may have 1 or more nuclei Single-celled or colonial Some have cell walls made of a compound called cellulose. Some have cell walls of silica (glass) Both autotrophic and heterotrophic Use cellular respiration for cell energy. Some have photosynthesis Reproduce asexually and sexually Found in aquatic or moist habitats
Plantae Eukaryotes (have a nucleus) Multicellular Have cell walls made of a compound called cellulose Most are autotrophic. Some are heterotrophic Use photosynthesis and cellular respiration for cell energy Reproduce sexually and asexually Most are terrestrial, some are aquatic
Fungi Eukaryotic and multinucleate (more than 1 nucleus per cell) Unicellular or multicellular Have cell walls made of a compound called chitin Heterotrophic Use cellular respiration for cell energy Reproduce sexually and asexually Mostly terrestrial
Animalia Eukaryotic (have a nucleus) Multicellular Cells do not have cell walls Heterotrophic (obtain their energy from consuming other organisms) Use cellular respiration for cell energy Most reproduce sexually Found in terrestrial and aquatic habitats
Quick check: Which domain and kingdom do we humans belong to Quick check: Which domain and kingdom do we humans belong to? What characteristics do our cells share with all other organisms in our kingdom?