Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Concept Videos

Diversity of Archaea II01:24

Diversity of Archaea II

93
Archaea, one of the three domains of life, exhibit remarkable diversity and adaptability, thriving in both extreme and moderate environments. Historically, most identified archaea have been classified into two major phyla: Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. However, recent molecular studies have expanded this classification to include three additional phyla: Thaumarchaeota, Nanoarchaeota, and Korarchaeota, each exhibiting unique characteristics and ecological roles.Thaumarchaeota: Mesophiles...
93
Diversity of Archaea III01:27

Diversity of Archaea III

74
Crenarchaeota, a prominent phylum of Archaea, is remarkable for its ability to thrive in extreme environments characterized by high temperatures and acidity. These microorganisms inhabit sulfuric hot springs, volcanic systems, and submarine hydrothermal vents, where temperatures often exceed 100°C. The unique adaptations of Crenarchaeota not only allow survival under such extreme conditions but also provide insights into the mechanisms of life in primordial Earth-like...
74
Overview of Archaea01:29

Overview of Archaea

141
Archaea, named after the Archaean eon, represent a unique domain of life, distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes, with remarkable traits. Their cellular and molecular features, ecological adaptability, and industrial relevance highlight their importance in understanding life processes and leveraging biotechnology.Cellular and Molecular CharacteristicsA defining feature of archaea is their unique membrane composition. Archaeal membranes contain ether-linked isoprenoid lipids, which confer...
141
Three-Domain System of Life01:21

Three-Domain System of Life

231
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequence analysis revealed three distinct groups of cells: eukaryotes, bacteria, and archaea. In 1978, Carl R. Woese proposed the concept of domains, a taxonomic level above kingdoms, to differentiate these groups. He suggested that archaea and bacteria, despite their similar appearance, represent separate domains. Domains differ in rRNA, membrane lipid structure, transfer RNA, and antibiotic sensitivity.In this classification, animals, plants, and fungi belong to the...
231
Diversity of Archaea I01:30

Diversity of Archaea I

99
Archaea, a domain of single-celled microorganisms, are classified into five major phyla based on genetic and biochemical characteristics: Euryarchaeota, Crenarchaeota, Thaumarchaeota, Korarchaeota, and Nanoarchaeota. Among these, the phylum Euryarchaeota is notable for its remarkable diversity in morphology, metabolism, and ecological adaptations.Morphological and Metabolic DiversityMembers of Euryarchaeota exhibit a variety of cellular shapes, including rods and cocci. Their metabolic pathways...
99
Viruses of Archaea01:29

Viruses of Archaea

78
Archaeal viruses play a crucial role in the ecosystems of extremophilic archaea, particularly those belonging to the phyla Euryarchaeota and Crenarchaeota. By shaping host evolution and facilitating gene transfer, these viruses influence microbial communities and contribute to genetic diversity in extreme environments. The archaea they infect thrive in acidic hot springs and hydrothermal vents characterized by high temperatures and low pH. Archaeal viruses exhibit remarkable structural...
78

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

The Origin of Life in the Light of Evolution.

ArXiv·2026
Same author

New lineages provide insights into the convergent evolution of extreme salt adaptation within symbiotic Archaea.

Molecular biology and evolution·2026
Same author

Author Correction: Unbinned contigs expand known diversity in the global microbiome.

Nature microbiology·2026
Same author

Unbinned contigs expand known diversity in the global microbiome.

Nature microbiology·2026
Same author

Toward a genomic understanding of the tree of life.

Molecular biology and evolution·2026
Same author

Dated gene duplications elucidate the evolutionary assembly of eukaryotes.

Nature·2025

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 12, 2025

Removal of Exogenous Materials from the Outer Portion of Frozen Cores to Investigate the Ancient Biological Communities Harbored Inside
09:06

Removal of Exogenous Materials from the Outer Portion of Frozen Cores to Investigate the Ancient Biological Communities Harbored Inside

Published on: July 3, 2016

8.2K

DPANN Archaea and CPR Bacteria: insights into early cellular evolution?

Tara A Mahendrarajah1, Anja Spang1,2

  • 1Marine Microbiology and Biogeochemistry, Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, Den Burg, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands.

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences
|August 7, 2025
PubMed
Summary

The Diapherotrites, Parv-, Aenigma-, Nano- and Nanohaloarchaeota (DPANN) archaea and Candidate Phyla Radiation (CPR) bacteria challenge views on early life. Their phylogenetic placement and evolutionary origins are debated, impacting our understanding of cellular evolution and the last universal common ancestor.

Keywords:
CPRDPANNarchaeabacterialast universal common ancestortree of life

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Understanding Microbe Adaptation Using Innovative Techniques for Exploring Thermophilic Evolution
08:11

Author Spotlight: Understanding Microbe Adaptation Using Innovative Techniques for Exploring Thermophilic Evolution

Published on: June 14, 2024

917
Author Spotlight: Advancing Protein Engineering – Harnessing Evolution Through PRANCE and Lab Automation
05:08

Author Spotlight: Advancing Protein Engineering – Harnessing Evolution Through PRANCE and Lab Automation

Published on: January 12, 2024

1.7K

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Sep 12, 2025

Removal of Exogenous Materials from the Outer Portion of Frozen Cores to Investigate the Ancient Biological Communities Harbored Inside
09:06

Removal of Exogenous Materials from the Outer Portion of Frozen Cores to Investigate the Ancient Biological Communities Harbored Inside

Published on: July 3, 2016

8.2K
Author Spotlight: Understanding Microbe Adaptation Using Innovative Techniques for Exploring Thermophilic Evolution
08:11

Author Spotlight: Understanding Microbe Adaptation Using Innovative Techniques for Exploring Thermophilic Evolution

Published on: June 14, 2024

917
Author Spotlight: Advancing Protein Engineering – Harnessing Evolution Through PRANCE and Lab Automation
05:08

Author Spotlight: Advancing Protein Engineering – Harnessing Evolution Through PRANCE and Lab Automation

Published on: January 12, 2024

1.7K

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Cultivation-independent techniques reveal diverse uncultivated organisms, reshaping evolutionary understanding.
  • The Diapherotrites, Parv-, Aenigma-, Nano- and Nanohaloarchaeota (DPANN) archaea and Candidate Phyla Radiation (CPR) bacteria are phylogenetically significant lineages.
  • DPANN and CPR members exhibit reduced genomes, small cell sizes, and incomplete metabolic pathways, often acting as symbionts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide insights into the phylogenetic placement of DPANN archaea and CPR bacteria.
  • To discuss the implications of their evolutionary origins for cellular evolution.
  • To explore their relationship with the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) in the context of Earth history.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analysis of genomic data.
  • Comparative genomics to assess metabolic pathways.
  • Literature review and synthesis of current research.

Main Results:

  • Recent data suggest DPANN and CPR may be derived or evolved in parallel with hosts, challenging earlier hypotheses of sister group status.
  • Debates persist regarding their precise phylogenetic positions.
  • Their unique biology offers clues into early cellular evolution.

Conclusions:

  • The evolutionary history of DPANN archaea and CPR bacteria is complex and under active investigation.
  • Their phylogenetic placement significantly impacts models of early life and LUCA.
  • Further research is crucial to fully understand their role in the evolution of life.