Question

Prokaryotic cells have a simpler structure than eukaryotic cells. Evidence shows that eukaryotic cells evolved from prokaryotic cells. Some might argue that prokaryotic cells are less important than eukaryotic cells. But a case can be made that prokaryotic cells are just as important to life on Earth today as eukaryotic cells. Which do you think is true? Are prokaryotic cells important to life on Earth? Analyze the similarities and differences of these cell types to explain your position. what would you type because this is a graded discusion

Answer 1

Yes prokaryotic cells are important to life on Earth.
1. There are more prokaryotic cells in the biosphere than there are eukaryotic cells.
2. A significant fraction of the Earth's oxygen is produced by cyanobacteria (prokaryotes).
Also note that cyanobacteria are major producers in the ocean.
3. Most nitrogen fixation is accomplished by prokaryotes. Without them fixin' nitrogen, why, there wouldn't be much other life.
4. In almost all environments, prokaryotes are the most prevalent decomposers. Without their activity, recycling of matter from dead organisms would take a lot longer.

While some few are pathogens the majority of prokaryotes are essential for life to persist. Prokaryotes have metabolic functions that eukaryotic cells lack. For example only prokaryotes are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, N2, into a form that can be combined with carbon to build organic molecules usable by all other living organisms. Also complete denitrification, like nitrogen fixing, does not occur in eukaryotes. Only prokaryotes can take the final step and reduce N2O to N2. Eukaryotic fungi stop with N2O as their denitrification product, leaving the bacteria to close the biogeochemical cycle of decomposition.

Answer 2

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