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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