Difference Between Archaea and Bacteria
Last Updated : 15 Apr, 2025
Archaea and bacteria are both single-celled microorganisms, but they differ in genetic makeup, membrane structure, and habitat. Archaea often thrive in extreme environments like hot springs and acidic conditions, while bacteria can be found in diverse habitats, including soil, water, and human bodies. The cell walls of archaea and bacteria differ in composition; archaea have unique lipids, while bacteria have peptidoglycan.
Despite their similarities, these distinctions highlight the evolutionary and ecological differences between archaea and bacteria. In this article we will discuss about differences between Archaea and Bacteria , what is archaea and bacteria and their functions.
Difference Between Archaea and Bacteria
The differences between Archaea and Bacteria are stated below:
Characteristics | Archaea | Bacteria |
|---|
Types | - Thermoacidophiles
- Methanogens
- Halophiles
| - Gram Positive
- Gram Negative
|
Metabolism Activity | Glycolysis and Citric Acid Cycle (Modified form) | Glycolysis and Citric Acid Cycle |
Cell Wall | Pseudopeptidoglycan | Peptidoglycan/ Lipopolysaccharide |
Thriving Habitat | They can thrive in extreme environmental conditions such as deep sea vents, guts of humans, hot springs and marshlands | They are found in hot springs, radioactive wastes, soil, organic matter and the earth's crust |
Cell Membrane | Ether linked lipids | Ester linked lipids |
Method of Reproduction | Archaea reproduce asexually by the process of fragmentation, budding and binary fission. | Bacteria produce spores |
No of RNA present | Three RNA | Single RNA |
Presence on Introns | Introns are present in chromosomes of archaea | Introns are absent in the chromosomes of bacteria |
Presence on Thymine | Thymine is absent in t-RNA | Thymine is present in t-RNA |
Photosynthesis | Archaea don't perform photosynthesis | Many bacteria perform photosynthesis |
Pathogenicity | Archaea are not pathogenic | Bacteria are pathogenic |
What is Archaea?
Archaea are single-celled microorganisms. They possess a structure similar to bacteria but are evolutionarily different from bacteria. Archaea is derived from the Greek word archaios which means primitive or ancient. Many archaea are found in extreme habitats such as in high pressure and salt conditions. Thus, some archaea are also known as extremophiles. Archaea sometimes live in association with eukaryotes. Some archaea are in symbiotic relationship with sponges and methanogenic archaea is found in the digestive system of some animals. A few examples of archaea are Lokiarchaeota and Methanobrevibacter smithii.
Also Read: Archaebacteria
Role of Archaea
The role of archaea are:
Also Read: Difference between Bacteria and Amoeba
What is Bacteria?
Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can be found in various environments. They can be both beneficial and harmful. Bacteria also play crucial roles in processes like digestion and decomposition and cause diseases. The cell wall of bacteria is made up of peptidoglycan. Bacteria can survive in extreme conditions as well. Bacteria are classified into 5 groups depending on their shapes i.e. spherical (Cocci), Spiral (Spirilla), Corkscrew (Spirochaetes), Rod (Bacilli) and Comma (Vibrios). A few examples of bacteria are Campylobacter, E. Coli, Norovirus and Salmonella and a few of the useful bacteria are lactobacillus, Actinobacteria and Escherichia Coli.
Also Read: Eubacteria - Structure, Characteristics, Classification and FAQs
Role of Bacteria
The role of bacteria are
- It helps to degrade food or act as decomposers.
- It helps to neutralise toxins.
- It enhances soil fertility.
- It helps in industrial production.
Also Read: Difference Between Aerobic And Anaerobic Bacteria
Similarities Between Archaea and Bacteria
Although there are difference between Archaea and Bacteria, but they have some similarities too:
- Both of them are the same in shape and size.
- Both of them lack a well-defined nucleus.
- Both of them are unicellular.
- They look morphologically similar.
Conclusion: Difference Between Archaea and Bacteria
Both Bacteria and archaea are prokaryotic microorganisms but show fundamental differences in their cell walls, habitats and membranes. Bacteria have peptidoglycan in their walls whereas archaea lack the same. Metabolic pathways of both archaea and bacteria are different. But both of them are single-celled microorganisms and are similar morphologically. Bacteria play crucial roles in ecological processes while archaea help in nutrient cycling. They are different when evolutionary processes and functions are considered. Thus, both of them evolved independently and play different ecological roles.
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