Prokaryotic Diversity
Archaea: RNA & ribosomal protein similar to eukaryotesMethanococcus and other “extremophiles”
Aquificae: oldest bacteria branch; hyperthermophile (optimum 85°C) chemotroph,
Gram-positives: many human diseases incl. anthrax
Actinobacteria: branching filaments, produce many antibiotics (streptomycin, tetracyclin), dental plaque
Spirochaetes: long, coil-shaped, common aquatic, syphilis
Cyanobacteria: photosynthetic bacteria, unicellular, colonies, and filaments; nitrogen fixation
Beta-Pr.: soil bacteria, oxidize NH4+ ? NO2- ? NO3-
Gamma-Pr.: Sulfur bacteria, pathogens, E. coli, Salmonella, Vibrio (cholera), common soil & aquatic
Myxobacteria: gliding motility, colonies, upright “fruiting bodies”