How do archaea and bacteria differ?

The archaea and the bacteria both are prokaryotes. However, the genetic makeup of the archaea is more similar to the eukaryotes. Moreover, they have differences, in their metabolic pathways, genes and the enzymes possessed by them.

Explanation:

The differences between Archaea and bacteria:

1. The cell wall of the bacteria consist of peptidoglycan, while the cell wall of the archaea consist of pseudo-peptidoglycan.

2. The bacteria are capable of spore formation, which can lie dormant for long periods of time until a suitable condition is found for their growth. The archaea are not known to form such spores.

3. The genes of the archaea are more similar to the eukaryotes than the bacteria.

4. The bacteria are found everywhere where the living conditions are suitable (soil, air, living beings, non-living things). the archaea are capable of surviving in extreme conditions (hot springs, salt brine).

5. The bacteria use the process of glycolysis and follows Kreb's cycle for glucose break-down. The archaea do not undergo glycolysis or Kreb's cycle.