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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is NOT a difference between Archaea and Bacteria?
A
Presence of peptidoglycan in the cell wall
B
RNA polymerase structure
C
Membrane lipid structure
D
Sensitivity to antibiotics
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic characteristics of Archaea and Bacteria. Archaea and Bacteria are both prokaryotes, meaning they lack a nucleus, but they have distinct differences in their cellular structures and biochemistry.
Examine the presence of peptidoglycan in the cell wall. Bacteria typically have peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which provides structural support. Archaea, on the other hand, do not have peptidoglycan; instead, they have pseudopeptidoglycan or other polymers.
Consider the RNA polymerase structure. Bacteria have a simpler RNA polymerase compared to Archaea, which have multiple types of RNA polymerase that are more similar to those found in eukaryotes.
Analyze the membrane lipid structure. Bacterial membranes are composed of fatty acids linked to glycerol by ester bonds, whereas Archaeal membranes have ether bonds and can include branched isoprenoid chains, making them chemically distinct.
Evaluate sensitivity to antibiotics. Bacteria are generally more sensitive to antibiotics that target peptidoglycan synthesis or bacterial ribosomes, while Archaea are often resistant to these antibiotics due to differences in their cell wall and ribosomal structures.