Distinguishing Characteristics of the Kingdoms of Life

Cell Theory• All living things are made of cells

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.

Single Celled vs. Multicellular

• Single-celled Organisms are individual cells.

• Multicellular organisms are made of several to millions of cells

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

Autotroph vs. Heterotroph• Autotrophs “produce”

their own food through the process of photosynthesis. The do not need to eat others.

• Organisms that gain their energy by eating other living things are heterotroph.

Sessile vs. Motile• Sessile organisms

cannot move under their own power (for most of their lives).

• Organisms that move on their own.

Asexual vs. Sexual Reproduction• Organisms that

reproduce without an exchange of genetic information with a partner

• Organisms that exchange genetic information with a partner