Kingdom Monera

Also known as the Bacteria

Evolution of Monerans

The original living things on earth were prokaryotic cells. They could survive in almost any habitat. See p. 129

Even now, there are species of monerans in almost every place you can think of. Even in ice and volcanic vents.

Monerans are prokaryotic cells

• This means they are very small and have no nucleus or other organelles

• And just one huge molecule of DNA

Monerans come in three basic shapes (also see p. 131)

Sphere Rod Spiral

Monerans can get energy in many ways

• Autotrophic: can make their own food from the sun

• Heterotrophic: can get energy from the matter in their environment (food)

If conditions are poor (too dry, not enough food, etc)

They may produce spores, like this tetanus bacterium below

Some monerans are able to move

This spiral shaped bacterium has many hair-like flagella to help propel it.

Bacteria can reproduce quickly under the right conditions

Asexually through binary fission (dividing into 2 identical cells)

Sexually through conjugation (swapping DNA)

The job of most monerans is to break down dead and decaying material (Decomposers)

But some can be used in producing food (yogurt) or can cause disease (like these pictures below)

Bacteria that cause infections