Distinguishing Characteristics of the Kingdoms of Life

1. Distinguishing Characteristics of the Kingdoms of Life

2. Cell Theory • All living things are made of cells

3. Prokaryote vs. Eukaryote • Prokaryotes are “primitive” cells that lack nuclei. In these cells, DNA is free-floating in the cell cytoplasm. • Eukaryote cells have a clear nucleus where the DNA is found.

4. Single Celled vs. Multicellular • Single-celled Organisms are individual cells. • Multicellular organisms are made of several to millions of cells

5. Cell Wall vs. No Cell Wall • Some organisms have rigid walls around their cells that give them structure. • Many organisms lack this specialized adaptation and gain structure by other means

6. Autotroph vs. Heterotroph • Organisms that gain their energy by eating other living things are heterotroph. • Autotrophs “produce” their own food through the process of photosynthesis. The do not need to eat others.

7. Sessile vs. Motile • Organisms that move on their own. • Sessile organisms cannot move under their own power (for most of their lives).

8. Asexual vs. Sexual Reproduction • Organisms that exchange genetic information with a partner • Organisms that reproduce without an exchange of genetic information with a partner