Archaeplastida is a kingdom of photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms, including green algae, red algae, and land plants. These organisms are crucial in Earth's ecosystems, contributing to the carbon cycle and oxygen production. They share features like chlorophylls, cellulose cell walls, and starch storage. Their evolution from a symbiotic event with cyanobacteria led to significant ecological impacts, such as the development of the ozone layer and the rise of aerobic life.
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Archaeplastida organisms are unified by their possession of chlorophylls a and b, which are essential for photosynthesis
Double-membraned organelles
Plastids are double-membraned organelles containing their own DNA, supporting the endosymbiotic origin of these structures
Synthesis and storage of vital cellular compounds
Plastids are essential for the synthesis and storage of vital cellular compounds, such as starch
The emergence of Archaeplastida is a pivotal chapter in Earth's history, marking the onset of oxygenic photosynthesis and the terrestrial colonization by plants
As primary producers, Archaeplastida organisms play a fundamental role in the carbon cycle by photosynthetically fixing atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic matter while releasing oxygen
Simple unicellular algae
Archaeplastida encompasses a diverse array of organisms, including simple unicellular algae
Sophisticated multicellular terrestrial plants
Archaeplastida also includes sophisticated multicellular terrestrial plants, which fulfill distinct ecological functions
Archaeplastida is grouped with other eukaryotic lineages that possess complex plastids derived from secondary endosymbiosis with red algae
Archaeplastida's lineage can be traced back to a symbiotic event that occurred between a non-photosynthetic protist and a cyanobacterium
The advent of Archaeplastida brought about oxygenic photosynthesis, which played a transformative role in converting Earth's anoxic atmosphere to one rich in oxygen
The development of plastids in Archaeplastida supports the endosymbiotic origin of these structures
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The kingdom ______ consists of eukaryotic organisms that perform ______, transforming light into chemical energy.
Archaeplastida
photosynthesis
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Symbiotic event timing for Archaeplastida origin
Archaeplastida originated from a symbiosis between a protist and a cyanobacterium 1-1.5 billion years ago.
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Plastids' structural characteristics in Archaeplastida
Plastids are double-membraned organelles with their own DNA, arising from endosymbiosis.
