Three Domains of Life

Taxonomy & Systematics 1977

Discoverers: Carl Woese, George Fox

Overview

Reclassification of life into three domains (Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya) based on ribosomal RNA sequences, revealing Archaea as a distinct domain.

Significance

Fundamentally restructured the tree of life by showing that Archaea are as different from Bacteria as both are from Eukarya.

Methodology

Comparative analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA sequences using oligonucleotide cataloguing, revealing deep phylogenetic divisions.

Impact