Courses
Courses for Kids
Free study material
Offline Centres
More
Store Icon
Store

Difference Between Monera and Protista

ffImage
hightlight icon
highlight icon
highlight icon
share icon
copy icon
SearchIcon

Understanding the Differences Between Monera and Protista

Monera and Protista are two distinct biological kingdoms in the classification system. Both groups consist of microscopic organisms, but they differ significantly in their cellular structure, organization, and functions.


Kingdom Monera includes prokaryotic organisms such as bacteria and archaea. These are single-celled organisms without a true nucleus. They play a crucial role in ecosystems, aiding in processes such as nitrogen fixation and decomposition.


Kingdom Protista consists of eukaryotic organisms that are mostly unicellular but can also be multicellular. Protists have a true nucleus and organelles. This kingdom includes protozoa, algae, and slime moulds, playing various ecological roles.


Key Differences Between Monera and Protista

Parameter

Monera

Protista

Definition

Prokaryotic, single-celled organisms

Eukaryotic, mostly unicellular organisms

Cell Type

Prokaryotic (no nucleus)

Eukaryotic (has a nucleus)

Cell Structure

Lack membrane-bound organelles

Have membrane-bound organelles

Mode of Nutrition

Autotrophic or heterotrophic

Autotrophic, heterotrophic, or mixotrophic

Mode of respiration 

Cellular respiration occurs aerobically or through fermentation.

Cellular respiration occurs aerobically. 

Reproduction

Asexual (binary fission)

Sexual and asexual reproduction

Locomotion

Some have flagella, others non-motile

Can move using cilia, flagella, or pseudopodia

Examples

Bacteria, Cyanobacteria, Archaea

Amoeba, Paramecium, Euglena, Algae

Habitat

Found in extreme environments

Found in aquatic and moist environments

Oxygen Requirement

Some are aerobic, some anaerobic

Mostly aerobic

Role in Ecosystem

Decomposers, nitrogen fixers, pathogens

Primary producers, decomposers, parasites


Essential Study Materials for NEET UG Success

FAQs on Difference Between Monera and Protista

1. What are the basic differences between Protista and Monera?

The basic difference between them is - Monera is unicellular and prokaryotic cellular structures, whereas Protista is unicellular and eukaryotic cellular structures. Cell organelles are absent in Monera, but Protista is well-defined and has membrane-bound organelles. Monera is said to be found in any part of the earth and is the most abundant, while Protista is found in moist, shady places and an aquatic environment. Monera does not even have a well-defined nucleus, while Protista has its nucleus attached to its membrane.

2. What are the characteristics of Kingdom Monera and Protista?

Monera includes unicellular, prokaryotic organisms without membrane-bound organelles. Protista includes unicellular or simple multicellular eukaryotic organisms with organelles.

3. What are 5 examples of Monera?

Examples of Monera include Escherichia coli, Streptococcus, Bacillus, Lactobacillus, and Cyanobacteria.

4. What are 5 examples of Protista?

Examples of Protista include Amoeba, Paramecium, Euglena, Diatoms, and Plasmodium.

5. How do Monera and Protista respire?

Monera can respire aerobically or anaerobically, depending on the species. Protists typically respire aerobically using mitochondria.

6. What is the difference between Monera and Protista in terms of reproduction?

Monera reproduce asexually through binary fission, while Protista can reproduce both sexually and asexually.

7. Which character is common in both Monera and Protista?

Both Monera and Protista can be unicellular and reproduce asexually.

8. What is the nutrition of Monera?

Monera can be autotrophic (photosynthetic or chemosynthetic) or heterotrophic (saprophytic, parasitic, or symbiotic).

9. What are the 7 major groups in the Kingdom Protista?

The major groups in Protista include Protozoa, Algae, Slime Molds, Dinoflagellates, Euglenoids, Diatoms, and Ciliates.

10. Who discovered Protista?

The kingdom Protista was first proposed by Ernst Haeckel in 1866.

11. Do Protists have a lysosome?

Yes, Protists have lysosomes that help in intracellular digestion.

12. What is the common name for Monera?

Monera is commonly referred to as bacteria.

13. Why are decomposers important?

Decomposers break down organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

14. What is the difference between Protista and Fungi?

Protista are mostly unicellular and can be autotrophic, while Fungi are mostly multicellular and always heterotrophic decomposers.