A2.1 Origins of Cells HL Flashcards
Time before life, with chemical evolution
Prebiotic Era
Smallest structure considered to be alive and contains all the characteristics of life
Cell
Molecule that stores genetic information, self-replicate, and act as an enzyme, but has a lower copying fidelity compared to DNA
RNA
Non-living entity that is not considered to possess all the characteristics of life
Virus
Past Conditions of Earth
Low atmospheric oxygen, higher levels of methane and carbon dioxide, higher UV radiation due to lack of ozone
A ribozyme that is contained within the large subunit of the ribosome
peptidyl transferase
An experiment mimicked early Earth conditions, offering evidence that the molecules essential for life could spontaneously form
Miller-Urey Experiment
Last Universal Ancestor
Molecule storing genetic information with high-fidelity copying
DNA
RNA molecules function like enzymes, facilitating biochemical reactions within a cell
Ribozymes
Type of ecosystem characterized by hot water supporting unique life forms
Hydrothermal vent
Ability that living organisms have to use energy to maintain specific order and structure, which nonliving components cannot do
highly ordered state of living organisms
Biological structure transports certain substances across a membrane, creating different chemical environments inside (A) and outside (B).
lipid bilayer
Fissures in the ocean floor that release hot, mineral-rich water
Hydrothermal Vent
Evidence from archaea and bacteria genes indicates their ancestors likely evolved near hydrothermal vents
Hydrothermal Vent Evidence
Recent common ancestor of all current life on Earth
Last Universal Common Ancestor
Evidence that cyanobacteria was present around 3.4 billion years ago
Stromatolite Evidence
Type of layered sedimentary rocks that are formed by the growth of cyanobacteria
Stromatolites
Ratio of the atomic abundances of two isotopes of the same element
Isotope Ratio
Scientific evidence, pulled from elements in rocks dating back over 3 billion years, can point to the presence of living organisms
Isotope Ratio Evidence
Present Conditions of Earth
High concentration of oxygen in atmosphere, lower UV radiation due to ozone layer
Ancient formation, composed of layers of cyanobacteria and sediment, provides a glimpse into Earth’s early microbial life
fossilized stromatolite
Natural tendency of phospholipids to create spherical bilayers due to their amphipathic properties
Spontaneous Vesicle Formation
