The big idea: Archaea are one of the three domains of life. As a group they are very varied in how they obtain energy to make ATP.
The points to remember
- Three domains: bacteria, archaea and eukaryotes; archaea are prokaryotes.
- Some use light, absorbed by a pigment, to make ATP.
- Some oxidise inorganic chemicals such as hydrogen, sulfur compounds or ammonia.
- Some break down organic compounds made by other organisms.
Remember it as: Light, inorganic chemicals, organic compounds: archaea use them all.
Real example: pink salt ponds. Some salt-evaporation ponds look pink or red because they are full of archaea that live in very salty water and use a light-absorbing pigment to make ATP.
Trap: Archaea are not a kind of bacteria: they are prokaryotes, but a separate domain.
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How it is asked: Expect the three domains, or a question on how varied archaea are in obtaining energy.
IB-style questionOutline[3 marks]
Outline the diversity of ways in which archaea obtain energy for ATP production.
Model answer plan
See the answer broken into clear points, with guidance on how each point earns marks.