Microbial Minds

Summary The Kingdom Plantae consists of multicellular eukaryotes that make their own food through photosynthesis. Their cells contain chloroplasts and cellulose-based cell walls that give rigidity and protection. Plants reproduce sexually (flowers, seeds, spores) or asexually (fragmentation, budding). Their life cycle alternates between sporophyte and gametophyte generations. Though non-motile, plants respond to stimuli such as light and gravity. They are vital for oxygen production, food, medicine, and habitat creation. Keywords Photosynthesis, Chlorophyll, Cellulose, Angiosperms, Sporophyte, Autotrophic. Kingdom Plantae Kingdom Plantae includes all autotrophic, multicellular, and eukaryotic organisms that perform photosynthesis using chlorophyll. Commonly known as plants, they form the foundation of most ecosystems by providing oxygen, food, and shelter for other living organisms. Characteristics of Kingdom Plantae 1. Cell Structure Eu...

Key Points to Remember Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that live as saprophytes, parasites, or symbionts. They: Lack chlorophyll and do not photosynthesize. Have chitinous cell walls instead of cellulose. Reproduce by spores, budding, or hyphal fusion. Play major roles in nutrient recycling, fermentation, and antibiotic production. Keywords Fungi, Chitin, Hyphae, Saprophytic, Spores, Penicillium, Yeast. Kingdom Fungi – Structure, Types, and Importance Kingdom Fungi includes a large group of eukaryotic, heterotrophic, and mostly multicellular organisms that absorb nutrients from their surroundings. Unlike plants, fungi do not perform photosynthesis and have cell walls made of chitin, not cellulose. They play an essential role in decomposition, food production, and medicine, while some can also cause diseases in plants and animals. Characteristics of Fungi 1. Cell Structure Eukaryotic: Possess a true nucleus and membrane-bound orga...

Summary Protists are single-celled eukaryotes that perform all life functions within one cell. They show great diversity in structure, nutrition, and reproduction. Nutrition: Can be autotrophic (algae), heterotrophic (protozoa), or mixotrophic (Euglena). Movement: May use cilia, flagella, pseudopodia, or water currents. Reproduction: Both asexual (binary fission, budding) and sexual (gamete fusion) methods occur. Importance: Protists are ecologically and medically important — they produce oxygen, cause diseases, and are used in various industries. Keywords Protista, Protozoa, Algae, Eukaryotic, Photosynthesis, Plasmodium, Diatoms. Kingdom Protista – Overview Kingdom Protista includes a diverse group of mostly unicellular eukaryotic organisms that do not belong to the plant, animal, or fungi kingdoms. They have a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, showing features of more than one kingdom. Some resemble plants (algae),...

Key Points to Remember Members of Kingdom Monera are prokaryotes (no true nucleus or organelles). Their cell wall contains peptidoglycan (except in Archaea). The genetic material is circular DNA, often with small extra loops called plasmids. Some have flagella (for movement) or capsules (for protection). They can be autotrophic (make their own food) or heterotrophic (depend on others for food). Reproduction mostly happens by binary fission (simple cell division). Monera is divided into Eubacteria (true bacteria) and Archaebacteria (ancient bacteria). Keywords Prokaryotic, Binary Fission, Cyanobacteria, Archaebacteria, Peptidoglycan. Kingdom Monera – The Simplest Life Forms The Kingdom Monera includes the most primitive and microscopic organisms on Earth — mainly bacteria and archaea. These living things do not have a true nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, making them prokaryotic. They are found everywhere — in soil, wat...

Five Kingdom Classification by Robert Whittaker (1969) In 1969, biologist Robert Whittaker introduced a system that grouped all living organisms into five main kingdoms. This system is based on three main features: 1.      Cell type (prokaryotic or eukaryotic), 2.      Body organization (unicellular or multicellular), and 3.      Mode of nutrition (autotrophic or heterotrophic). Kingdom Monera Cell Type: Prokaryotic (no true nucleus) Cell Organization: Unicellular (single-celled) Mode of Nutrition: Autotrophic (make their own food) or Heterotrophic (depend on others for food) Cell Wall: Present, made of peptidoglycan Examples: Bacteria , Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) Key Feature: The simplest and oldest forms of life — these organisms lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Kingdom Protista Cell Type: Eukaryotic (true nucleus present) Cell Organization...