PROKARYOTES
: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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Scientists found prokaryotes are remarkably resilient
to climate change – and as a result, could increasingly dominate marine
environments.
Prokaryotes in Oceans:
- Prevalence and Importance:
Prokaryotes are microscopic organisms that make up 30% of all life in the
world’s oceans. These tiny, single-celled creatures are critical to the
marine ecosystem and play a significant role in the planet’s overall
biological processes.
- Types
of Prokaryotes: The term "prokaryotes" encompasses
two major groups: bacteria and archaea. Both are among the oldest forms of
life on Earth, with origins tracing back billions of years. Despite their
simplicity, these organisms are incredibly diverse and can survive in a
wide range of environments.
- Habitat
and Distribution: Prokaryotes thrive across the entire globe,
inhabiting a variety of environments from the deepest oceans to the
highest mountains, and from tropical climates to polar regions. Their
ability to adapt to different conditions makes them ubiquitous and essential
to various ecological functions.
Environmental Concerns:
- Impact on Marine Life:
The rapid growth of prokaryotes in the oceans can have significant
implications for marine ecosystems. An increase in their population may
lead to reduced availability of fish, which are a primary food source for
humans. This can disrupt food chains and impact human nutrition and
economies dependent on fishing.
- Carbon
Emissions: One of the lesser-known but critical aspects
of prokaryotes is their role in carbon cycling. Marine prokaryotes grow
extremely quickly, a process that leads to substantial carbon emissions.
At an ocean depth of 200 meters, these organisms produce about 20 billion
tonnes of carbon annually—this is twice the amount produced by human
activities. This substantial carbon output by prokaryotes can influence
global carbon cycles and climate change, potentially hampering the ocean’s
ability to absorb carbon emissions.
Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells:
- Cell Discovery:
The cell, as the fundamental unit of life, was first discovered by Robert
Hooke in 1665. This discovery laid the foundation for modern biology and
the understanding of how all living organisms are structured.
- Prokaryotic
Cells: These are simpler, smaller cells that lack membrane-bound
organelles such as a nucleus. Prokaryotic cells are the earliest forms of
life on Earth and include organisms like bacteria and archaea. Despite
their simplicity, they are highly efficient and adaptable, enabling them
to survive in extreme environments.
- Eukaryotic
Cells: In contrast, eukaryotic cells are more
complex and larger in size. They contain membrane-bound organelles,
including a nucleus that houses the cell’s genetic material. Eukaryotic
cells make up the bodies of plants, animals, fungi, and protists. The complexity
of these cells allows for greater specialization and the development of
multicellular organisms with diverse functions and structures.
Source : https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/earths-oldest-tiniest-creatures-are-poised-to-be-climate-change-winners/article68523779.ece