Question

Name three differences between bacteria and archaea.

a) Cell wall composition, RNA polymerase structure, presence of membrane-bound organelles
b) Mode of reproduction, RNA polymerase structure, presence of membrane-bound organelles
c) Cell wall composition, mode of reproduction, presence of membrane-bound organelles
d) Cell wall composition, mode of reproduction, RNA polymerase structure

Answer 1

The main differences between bacteria and archaea are in the cell wall composition, RNA polymerase structure, and the non-presence of membrane-bound organelles, which both groups lack being prokaryotes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct answer to the student's question is: a) Cell wall composition, RNA polymerase structure, presence of membrane-bound organelles. Here are three key differences:

1. The cell wall composition of bacteria and archaea is different. Bacterial cell walls are made up of peptidoglycan, whereas archaeal cell walls do not contain peptidoglycan.
2. When comparing the RNA polymerase structure, archaea's RNA polymerase is more similar to that of eukaryotes, whereas bacteria have a less complex RNA polymerase.
3. Another difference is the lack of membrane-bound organelles in both archaea and bacteria, as they are prokaryotic organisms. However, this is not a distinguishing factor between the two as it applies to both groups.