Comment Section for Meet the Eukaryote, the First Cell to Get Organized | Quanta Magazine

Archaea are a group of single-celled prokaryotic organisms with distinct molecular characteristics that separate them from bacteria and eukaryotes. The term "archaea" is derived from the Greek word "archaios," meaning "ancient" or "primitive," reflecting the unique nature of these microorganisms. Archaea are found in diverse environments, including extreme conditions like high temperature, high salinity, and high pressure. They exhibit remarkable adaptations and can live in environments once considered sterile, such as geothermal springs, hydrothermal vents, acidic and alkaline lakes, and hypersaline environments. Here are some key characteristics of archaea: - Archaea are unicellular microorganisms that come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from cocci to irregular shapes, with sizes typically ranging from 0.1 to 15 micrometers in diameter. - Their cell walls exhibit diversity and often lack peptidoglycan, a characteristic feature of bacterial cell walls. - The lipid bilayers of archaea comprise branched-chain lipids with ether linkages, distinguishing them from the ester-linked lipids found in bacteria and eukaryotes. - Archaea are capable of diverse metabolic pathways, using inorganic compounds and sunlight as sources of energy. - They reproduce through methods such as binary fission and budding. While archaea are generally considered harmless, some studies have suggested potential links between archaea and conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and periodontal diseases. In summary, archaea represent a fascinating and diverse group of microorganisms that thrive in extreme environments and have unique biological characteristics, contributing to the rich tapestry of life on Earth.

Archaea | Definition, Characteristics, & Examples | Britannica

Archaea - Definition, Examples, Characteristics, and Diagram