Questions: State which of the microorganisms are prokaryotes, which are eukaryotes, and which are acellular.
Transcript text: State which of the microorganisms are prokaryotes, which are eukaryotes, and which are acellular.
Solution
To classify microorganisms into prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and acellular entities, we need to understand the basic characteristics of each category:
Prokaryotes: These are unicellular organisms that lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Their DNA is typically circular and resides in a region called the nucleoid. Examples include bacteria and archaea.
Eukaryotes: These organisms have cells with a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Their DNA is linear and contained within the nucleus. Examples include fungi, protozoa, algae, and multicellular organisms like plants and animals.
Acellular: These entities are not composed of cells and do not have the cellular structure typical of prokaryotes or eukaryotes. Examples include viruses, viroids, and prions.
Now, let's classify some common microorganisms:
Bacteria: Prokaryotes
Archaea: Prokaryotes
Fungi: Eukaryotes
Protozoa: Eukaryotes
Algae: Eukaryotes
Viruses: Acellular
Viroids: Acellular
Prions: Acellular
Summary:
Prokaryotes: Bacteria, Archaea
Eukaryotes: Fungi, Protozoa, Algae
Acellular: Viruses, Viroids, Prions
This classification helps in understanding the fundamental differences in the structure and organization of various microorganisms.