Final answer:
Isopentenyl diphosphate and dimethylallyl diphosphate are used by archaea for the synthesis of isoprenoids, which are derived from isoprene units and are essential in numerous biological processes. The correct option is 1.
Step-by-step explanation:
Two intermediates of the sterol biosynthesis pathway, isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP), are used by archaea in the biosynthesis of isoprenoids.
These two compounds are the basic building blocks for the synthesis of isoprenoids, which are a large and diverse group of naturally occurring organic compounds derived from five-carbon isoprene units linked together in various combinations.
They play crucial roles in a wide range of biological processes in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms, including those in plants, animals, and microbes.