1.10.4 The Heterotroph Hypothesis: Protobionts Flashcards
1
Q
protobionts
A
- aggregates of molecules that might have been precursors to cells.
- three different types: coacervates, microspheres, and liposomes
2
Q
heterotroph
A
- takes in materials and processes them
3
Q
coacervates
A
- are aggregates of polymerized molecules, such as starches and proteins, that self-assemble.
- The aggregates are surrounded with a shell of
water. - Enzymes can catalyze reactions within the coacervate.
4
Q
polymers
A
- are molecules made up of individual subunits bonded together to make one long chain.
5
Q
proteinoids
A
- are abiotically produced polypeptides.
6
Q
microspheres
A
- formed when proteinoids self-assemble to surround
water and exhibit some characteristics of a membrane. - selectively permeable and can set up a charge differential.
7
Q
liposome
A
- a shell of lipids that self-assembles to surround water and molecules.
- can take in materials and can grow and then split.
8
Q
What is a heterotroph?
A
- an organism that obtains energy by taking in food and processing it
9
Q
Protobionts
A
- are aggregates of abiotically produced organic molecules.
10
Q
When proteinoids are mixed with cool water they form _________________.
A
- microspheres
11
Q
Coacervate drops are important to understanding life’s origins because coacervates
A
- are able to absorb substrates from the environment and release products of chemical reactions.
12
Q
Liposomes are
A
- a collection of molecules surrounded by a lipid shell.
