Final answer:
The Whittaker method classifies microorganisms into five kingdoms: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia, based on their characteristics and cellular organization. Bacteria belong to the prokaryotic kingdom Monera, while protozoa, fungi, and algae belong to the eukaryotic kingdoms Protista, Fungi, and Plantae, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Whittaker method, also known as the Five Kingdom classification system, is used to classify microorganisms based on their characteristics and cellular organization. It categorizes bacteria, protozoa, fungi, algae, and other microorganisms into five separate kingdoms: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, and Animalia.
Bacteria are prokaryotic microbes found in the kingdom Monera, which are single-celled organisms without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles. Protozoa, also part of the kingdom Protista, are eukaryotic microbes that consist of single-celled organisms with a nucleus and organelles.
Fungi, belonging to the kingdom Fungi, are eukaryotic microbes that include organisms like mushrooms and molds. Algae are eukaryotic microbes found in the kingdom Plantae, which are primarily photosynthetic organisms.
Prokaryotic microbes, such as bacteria, do not have a true nucleus and lack other membrane-bound organelles. On the other hand, eukaryotic microbes, like protozoa, fungi, and algae, have a true nucleus and other complex cellular structures.