Eubacteria vs. Archaebacteria — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 7, 2024
Eubacteria are common bacteria found in diverse environments, including soil and the human body, while archaebacteria are microorganisms adapted to extreme environments like hot springs and salt lakes.
Difference Between Eubacteria and Archaebacteria
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Eubacteria, also known as "true bacteria," are prokaryotic organisms found in a variety of environments. They possess peptidoglycan in their cell walls, which helps maintain structure. Archaebacteria, on the other hand, lack peptidoglycan and have different membrane lipids, allowing them to thrive in extreme environments such as acidic hot springs or high-salt areas.
Eubacteria generally reproduce through binary fission and can be classified based on their shapes, such as cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), and spirilla (spiral-shaped). Archaebacteria also reproduce via binary fission but possess unique genetic sequences and metabolic pathways.
Eubacteria can be pathogenic or beneficial to humans, with some causing infections while others aid digestion or nitrogen fixation in plants. Archaebacteria are not typically associated with human disease but play a crucial role in nutrient cycles, especially in extreme ecosystems.
Eubacteria are responsive to traditional antibiotics due to the structure of their cell walls, while archaebacteria are resistant to many antibiotics because of their distinct cell wall composition and unique enzymes.
Comparison Chart
Cell Wall
Peptidoglycan
Pseudopeptidoglycan or protein-based
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Membrane Lipids
Ester-linked fatty acids
Ether-linked branched chains
Habitat
Diverse environments
Extreme environments
Pathogenicity
Some species are pathogenic
Typically non-pathogenic
Antibiotic Sensitivity
Often sensitive to antibiotics
Generally resistant to antibiotics
Compare with Definitions
Eubacteria
Complex polymer forming the cell wall.
The peptidoglycan layer in eubacteria provides structural strength.
Archaebacteria
Organisms adapted to extreme conditions.
Thermophilic archaebacteria thrive in hot springs.
Eubacteria
Single-celled organisms lacking a nucleus.
E. coli is a common eubacterium found in the human gut.
Archaebacteria
Unique membrane lipids found in archaebacteria.
Archaebacteria membranes are stable due to their ether-linked lipids.
Eubacteria
Organism causing disease.
Streptococcus is a pathogenic eubacterium causing throat infections.
Archaebacteria
Cell wall polymer distinct from peptidoglycan.
Archaebacteria use pseudopeptidoglycan instead of peptidoglycan in their cell walls.
Eubacteria
Conversion of light into energy by certain bacteria.
Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic eubacteria.
Archaebacteria
Microbes producing methane as a byproduct.
Methanogens are archaebacteria found in animal guts.
Eubacteria
Conversion of nitrogen into usable forms.
Rhizobium is a nitrogen-fixing eubacterium that aids plant growth.
Archaebacteria
Salt-loving organisms.
Halophilic archaebacteria thrive in the Dead Sea's salty environment.
Eubacteria
Plural of eubacterium
Archaebacteria
See archaeon.
Eubacteria
A large group of bacteria having rigid cell walls; motile types have flagella
Archaebacteria
Plural of archaebacterium
Archaebacteria
Considered ancient life forms that evolved separately from bacteria and blue-green algae
Common Curiosities
Are all eubacteria harmful?
No, many eubacteria are beneficial, aiding digestion and nutrient cycling.
How do eubacteria and archaebacteria differ genetically?
Eubacteria and archaebacteria have distinct genetic sequences, with archaebacteria being more closely related to eukaryotes.
Can archaebacteria cause infections in humans?
Archaebacteria rarely cause infections and are usually not pathogenic.
What role does peptidoglycan play in eubacteria?
Peptidoglycan provides structural support to eubacteria and contributes to their antibiotic sensitivity.
How do eubacteria reproduce?
Eubacteria reproduce via binary fission.
Do antibiotics affect archaebacteria?
Archaebacteria are typically resistant due to their unique enzymes and cell walls.
Do eubacteria and archaebacteria have nuclei?
No, both are prokaryotic and lack a defined nucleus.
What are some examples of eubacteria?
E. coli, Streptococcus, and cyanobacteria are well-known eubacteria.
What types of archaebacteria are there?
Methanogens, halophiles, and thermophiles are key types of archaebacteria.
What environments do eubacteria and archaebacteria live in?
Eubacteria live in diverse environments, while archaebacteria are typically found in extreme habitats.
What makes archaebacteria unique?
Archaebacteria's unique cell wall composition, genetic sequences, and metabolic pathways distinguish them from eubacteria.
Do archaebacteria have peptidoglycan?
No, they use pseudopeptidoglycan or other substances in their cell walls.
What are some metabolic processes of archaebacteria?
Archaebacteria can metabolize sulfur and produce methane.
Can archaebacteria survive high temperatures?
Yes, thermophilic archaebacteria can thrive in extremely hot environments.
Do eubacteria photosynthesize?
Some, like cyanobacteria, can photosynthesize.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
