What are the three domains of life?

The three domains of life are Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya. This classification is based on fundamental differences in the cellular organization and genetics of organisms.

Bacteria are unicellular prokaryotic organisms that lack a nucleus and have a simple cell structure. They are known for their diverse metabolic pathways and can be found in various environments.

Archaea also consist of unicellular prokaryotic organisms, but they have distinct genetic and biochemical characteristics that separate them from bacteria. Archaea are often found in extreme environments, such as hot springs or deep-sea vents, and have unique membrane lipids and ribosomal RNA sequences.

Eukarya encompasses all organisms with eukaryotic cells, which have a nucleus and more complex cellular structures. This domain includes domain-specific groups like animals, plants, fungi, and protists.

Understanding these three domains helps to categorize the vast diversity of life on Earth and illustrates the evolutionary relationships among different organisms.