Question

Is a protist a prokaryote?

Answer 1

Kingdom Protista:

1. It includes single-celled bacteria but has undefined boundaries.
2. Most of the members are primarily aquatic. This kingdom forms a link between plants, animals, and fungi.
3. These being eukaryotic have a well-defined nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
4. They may have flagella or cilia as the locomotory organs.
5. These may reproduce both asexually and sexually involving the fusion of cell and zygote formation.

Kingdom Monera:

1. All prokaryotic organisms are grouped under Monera. Bacteria are the sole members of this group.
2. Bacteria are categorized based on shapes like spherical coccus, rod-shaped bacillus, comma-shaped, and spiral spirillum.
3. These have a very complex structure and metabolism.

These may be of the following two types:

1. Archaebacteria - these are usually found in extreme conditions like halophiles in salty conditions, thermophiles in hot temperatures, and methanogens in marshy areas. Their distinguished cell structure adds to their survival.
2. Eubacteria- these are considered true bacteria and are characterized by the presence of a rigid cell wall, and if motile, a flagellum. These may be photosynthetic (prepare food by photosynthesis), chemosynthetic (oxidize inorganic chemicals), or heterotrophic (decomposers) depending on food habits.