Characteristics of Kingdom Monera

In this article we will discuss about characteristics of kingdom monera

Characteristics of Kingdom Monera

Most Monera are single-celled organisms, like bacteria and archaea.
Members of the Kingdom Monera can be found almost anywhere. They also live in harsh environments such as hot springs, deserts, snow, and deep seas.
Their body structure is very simple, but they are complex in behavior and show metabolic diversity.
The bacterial cell reveals three layers: capsule, cell wall, and cytoplasm.
A thick layer of glycocalyx bound tightly to the cell wall is called a capsule, and this cell wall protects from desiccation and antibiotics.
The cell wall is made up of non-cellulosic material called peptidoglycan.
Genetic material is naked DNA, known as nucleoid.
Histones, nuclear envelope, nucleoplasm, nucleolus, and chromatin are absent.
All membrane-bound organelles are absent.
Contains 70s type of ribosomes
Since mitochondria are absent, respiratory enzymes are associated with the plasma membrane.
Some bacteria have extrachromosomal DNA molecules that are called Plasmids.
Some Monera are autotrophs, producing their food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis, while others are heterotrophs, relying on organic matter for nutrition.
They reproduce asexually through binary fission, where a cell divides into two identical cells, ensuring rapid population growth.

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Diversity in the living world Notes

FAQ

What is monera?

Monera used to be a term for a group of tiny organisms called bacteria. Bacteria are single-celled living things without a nucleus, and they can be found almost everywhere. They have a simple structure and play important roles in nature.

Which living organisms are included in the kingdom monera?

The kingdom Monera include archaebacteria and eubacteria, which are tiny single-celled organisms without a nucleus.

What is the criterion for classification of organisms as belonging to kingdom monera or protista?

The main criteria for the classification of the kingdom Monera and Protista are the presence and absence of a defined nucleus. Monerans do not have a true nucleus whereas protists have true nuclei. Organisms that do not contain a nucleus are called prokaryotes classified in a group called Monera and organisms which contain a nucleus are called prokaryotes classified in Protista.