Understanding the five kingdoms of life is crucial for grasping... Show more
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Dec 2, 2025
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Charlotte Starling
@charlottestarling_ycql
Understanding the five kingdoms of life is crucial for grasping... Show more







Prokaryotes are the simplest living organisms you'll encounter, yet they're incredibly successful. Unlike your own cells, they have no nucleus - their DNA just floats freely in a loop inside the cell. Think of them as living without a control room!
These organisms include all bacteria and have some fascinating features. Their cell walls contain peptidoglycan (a mix of sugars and amino acids), and they carry out respiration in special folded membranes called mesosomes. They're masters of efficiency - absorbing nutrients directly through their cell walls rather than "eating" like we do.
What's brilliant about prokaryotes is their binary fission reproduction method. They simply split in two to create identical copies, which is why bacterial infections can spread so quickly!
Remember: No nucleus = prokaryote. It's that simple!

Meet the protoctists - probably the most confusing kingdom because these eukaryotic organisms seem to have identity crises! They're mainly single-celled but can't decide if they want to be plants or animals.
Some protoctists, like algae, have chloroplasts and make their own food through photosynthesis (autotrophic feeding). Others, like amoebas, hunt and eat other organisms (heterotrophic feeding). Many can do both depending on what's available!
Movement is equally varied in this kingdom. Some are sessile (completely still), whilst others zoom around using flagella, cilia, or even pseudopods (false feet that they extend and retract). You'll recognise examples like seaweed, the malaria parasite, and those amoebas you see under microscopes.
Key insight: Protoctists are the "everything else" kingdom - diverse and adaptable!

Fungi are nature's ultimate recyclers, and they're far more interesting than just mushrooms! These eukaryotes can be single-celled (like baker's yeast) or form complex networks of thread-like structures called hyphae that make up a mycelium.
What makes fungi unique is their feeding strategy. They practice extracellular digestion - basically, they release enzymes outside their bodies to break down dead material, then absorb the nutrients. It's like having your stomach work outside your body!
Their cell walls contain chitin (the same stuff in insect shells), and filamentous fungi have multinucleate cytoplasm - multiple nuclei sharing the same space. Most are saprophytic, meaning they feed on dead and decaying matter, making them essential for decomposition.
Fun fact: Without fungi, we'd be buried under piles of dead leaves and organic matter!

Plants are the foundation of almost every food chain on Earth, and their defining feature is photosynthesis. All plants are multicellular eukaryotes with chloroplasts containing chlorophyll - the green pigment that captures sunlight.
As autotrophic organisms, plants make their own food and store it as starch. Most are sessile (rooted in place), though some can move slightly using cilia and flagella - particularly in their reproductive stages.
Plants have solved the energy problem that all life faces. By converting sunlight into chemical energy, they not only feed themselves but provide the energy source for virtually every other living thing on the planet.
Essential point: No plants = no life as we know it. They're the planet's solar panels!

Animals are the movers and shakers of the biological world! As multicellular eukaryotes, they share the complex cell structure of plants but lack chloroplasts - meaning they can't make their own food.
Heterotrophic feeding defines this kingdom - animals must consume other organisms to survive. This lifestyle has driven the evolution of incredible mobility, achieved through cilia, flagella, and contractile proteins that form muscular systems.
Animals store energy as glycogen rather than starch, which can be broken down quickly to fuel movement and activity. From microscopic organisms to massive whales, the animal kingdom showcases the power of active, mobile lifestyles.
Key difference: Animals move to find food, whilst plants stay put and make their own!

Modern classification goes beyond the five kingdoms to recognise three fundamental domains: Eukarya, Archaea, and Bacteria. This system reveals the true evolutionary relationships between all life forms.
Eukarya includes all organisms with nuclei (animals, plants, fungi, protoctists) and have 80s ribosomes plus linear DNA. Archaea are ancient bacteria living in extreme conditions with 70s ribosomes and unique RNA polymerase structures - they're not affected by streptomycin but are sensitive to diphtheria toxin.
Bacteria are the true bacteria we encounter daily. They have 70s ribosomes, circular DNA, and peptidoglycan cell walls. Unlike archaea, they're sensitive to streptomycin but resistant to diphtheria toxin.
Pro tip: Understanding domains helps explain why some antibiotics work against certain infections but not others!
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Charlotte Starling
@charlottestarling_ycql
Understanding the five kingdoms of life is crucial for grasping how scientists classify all living organisms on Earth. Each kingdom has distinct characteristics that help us identify and study different forms of life, from tiny bacteria to complex animals like... Show more

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Prokaryotes are the simplest living organisms you'll encounter, yet they're incredibly successful. Unlike your own cells, they have no nucleus - their DNA just floats freely in a loop inside the cell. Think of them as living without a control room!
These organisms include all bacteria and have some fascinating features. Their cell walls contain peptidoglycan (a mix of sugars and amino acids), and they carry out respiration in special folded membranes called mesosomes. They're masters of efficiency - absorbing nutrients directly through their cell walls rather than "eating" like we do.
What's brilliant about prokaryotes is their binary fission reproduction method. They simply split in two to create identical copies, which is why bacterial infections can spread so quickly!
Remember: No nucleus = prokaryote. It's that simple!

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Meet the protoctists - probably the most confusing kingdom because these eukaryotic organisms seem to have identity crises! They're mainly single-celled but can't decide if they want to be plants or animals.
Some protoctists, like algae, have chloroplasts and make their own food through photosynthesis (autotrophic feeding). Others, like amoebas, hunt and eat other organisms (heterotrophic feeding). Many can do both depending on what's available!
Movement is equally varied in this kingdom. Some are sessile (completely still), whilst others zoom around using flagella, cilia, or even pseudopods (false feet that they extend and retract). You'll recognise examples like seaweed, the malaria parasite, and those amoebas you see under microscopes.
Key insight: Protoctists are the "everything else" kingdom - diverse and adaptable!

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Improve your grades
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Fungi are nature's ultimate recyclers, and they're far more interesting than just mushrooms! These eukaryotes can be single-celled (like baker's yeast) or form complex networks of thread-like structures called hyphae that make up a mycelium.
What makes fungi unique is their feeding strategy. They practice extracellular digestion - basically, they release enzymes outside their bodies to break down dead material, then absorb the nutrients. It's like having your stomach work outside your body!
Their cell walls contain chitin (the same stuff in insect shells), and filamentous fungi have multinucleate cytoplasm - multiple nuclei sharing the same space. Most are saprophytic, meaning they feed on dead and decaying matter, making them essential for decomposition.
Fun fact: Without fungi, we'd be buried under piles of dead leaves and organic matter!

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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Plants are the foundation of almost every food chain on Earth, and their defining feature is photosynthesis. All plants are multicellular eukaryotes with chloroplasts containing chlorophyll - the green pigment that captures sunlight.
As autotrophic organisms, plants make their own food and store it as starch. Most are sessile (rooted in place), though some can move slightly using cilia and flagella - particularly in their reproductive stages.
Plants have solved the energy problem that all life faces. By converting sunlight into chemical energy, they not only feed themselves but provide the energy source for virtually every other living thing on the planet.
Essential point: No plants = no life as we know it. They're the planet's solar panels!

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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Animals are the movers and shakers of the biological world! As multicellular eukaryotes, they share the complex cell structure of plants but lack chloroplasts - meaning they can't make their own food.
Heterotrophic feeding defines this kingdom - animals must consume other organisms to survive. This lifestyle has driven the evolution of incredible mobility, achieved through cilia, flagella, and contractile proteins that form muscular systems.
Animals store energy as glycogen rather than starch, which can be broken down quickly to fuel movement and activity. From microscopic organisms to massive whales, the animal kingdom showcases the power of active, mobile lifestyles.
Key difference: Animals move to find food, whilst plants stay put and make their own!

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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Modern classification goes beyond the five kingdoms to recognise three fundamental domains: Eukarya, Archaea, and Bacteria. This system reveals the true evolutionary relationships between all life forms.
Eukarya includes all organisms with nuclei (animals, plants, fungi, protoctists) and have 80s ribosomes plus linear DNA. Archaea are ancient bacteria living in extreme conditions with 70s ribosomes and unique RNA polymerase structures - they're not affected by streptomycin but are sensitive to diphtheria toxin.
Bacteria are the true bacteria we encounter daily. They have 70s ribosomes, circular DNA, and peptidoglycan cell walls. Unlike archaea, they're sensitive to streptomycin but resistant to diphtheria toxin.
Pro tip: Understanding domains helps explain why some antibiotics work against certain infections but not others!
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Explore the structure and function of key cell organelles in this detailed summary. Understand the roles of the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, and more in cellular processes. Ideal for A-Level Biology students seeking to grasp essential concepts in cell biology.
Explore the key differences and similarities between animal and plant cells, including their unique subcellular structures such as the cell wall, chloroplasts, and organelles like mitochondria and ribosomes. This summary provides a clear overview of cellular functions and shapes, essential for understanding basic biology concepts.
Explore the intricate structures of eukaryotic cells, focusing on the nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria. This summary covers key functions, including DNA replication, protein synthesis, and ATP production, essential for A-level biology students. Ideal for exam preparation and understanding cellular processes.
Explore the key features and functions of animal and plant cells, including the roles of the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, and chloroplasts. This summary provides essential insights for GCSE biology students, focusing on cell structure and the differences between plant and animal cells.
Explore the essential concepts of cell structure and function, including eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, organelles, and the cell cycle. This summary covers key topics such as mitosis, microscopy techniques, and the endosymbiotic theory, providing a comprehensive overview for AQA A-level Biology students.
Explore the five main kingdoms of life, focusing on the characteristics of eukaryotic cells, including protists, fungi, and their classification. This summary covers key concepts such as multicellularity, heterotrophy, and autotrophy, providing a clear overview for students studying biological classification.
App Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user