Difference Between Archaea and Bacteria

Archaea and bacteria are single-celled prokaryotes but have distinct evolutionary paths.

Archaea

• Primitive microorganisms, often extremophiles (thriving in heat, salt, or high pressure).
• Cell wall: Pseudopeptidoglycan.
• Membrane: Ether-linked lipids.
• Pathogenicity: Non-pathogenic.

Bacteria

• Found in most environments (soil, water, body).
• Cell wall: Peptidoglycan.
• Membrane: Ester-linked lipids.
• Pathogenicity: Can be pathogenic (cause diseases).

Comparison Table