Archaeal plasma membranes differ fundamentally from bacterial and eukaryotic membranes in three significant ways. First, archaeal membrane phospholipids are formed with ether linkages, rather than the ester linkages found in bacteria and eukaryotes. Second, archaeal phospholipids contain branched chains, whereas those of bacterial and eukaryotic cells are straight-chained. Finally, while some archaeal membranes form lipid bilayers similar to other domains, other archaeal plasma membranes exist as lipid monolayers.

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University of Wisconsin - Madison

Archaea are unicellular prokaryotic organisms that have distinct evolutionary histories, genetics, metabolic pathways, and structural compositions compared to bacteria. They are found in nearly every habitat, including extreme environments that are very cold, hot, basic, or acidic. While some archaea reside in the human body, none have been identified as human pathogens.

Archaea

The plasma membrane of most bacterial and eukaryotic cells is structured as a bilayer composed primarily of proteins and phospholipids formed with ester linkages. Consistent with the fluid mosaic model, these phospholipid and protein components are highly dynamic, possessing the ability to move laterally within the plane of the membrane as well as between the two phospholipid layers.

Phospholipid Bilayer

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

OpenStax Microbiology Textbook

- Crenarchaeota
- Euryarchaeota
- Korarchaeota
- Nanoarchaeota
- Thaumarchaeota

Major Phylum of Archaea

Archaeal Plasma Membrane Structure

Archaeal cell wall structure differs from bacterial cell walls primarily because archaea do not contain peptidoglycan. Instead, they often contain a similar polymer called pseudopeptidoglycan (or pseudomurein). Alternatively, some archaea possess a layer of glycoproteins or polysaccharides that serves as the cell wall, and a few archaeal species appear to lack cell walls entirely.

Archaeal Cell Walls vs. Bacterial Cell Walls

Eukaryotic cells contain multiple, linear chromosomes that are haploid or diploid and are wrapped around histone proteins. In contrast, prokaryotes typically possess a single, circular chromosome that is haploid, with bacteria lacking histones and archaea containing histones.

Comparison of Eukaryotic and Prokaryotic Chromosomes

The cytoskeleton is a structural component of the cell that is positioned as a thin layer of lines just under the inside of the plasma membrane's phospholipid bilayer.

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