L1 Origins and characteristics of life Flashcards
Mechanism
How biological processes operate and function.
Function
Purpose of biological processes in evolution.
Abiogenesis
Theory explaining the origin of life from non-living matter.
Last Universal Common Ancestor
Most recent common ancestor of all current life.
Self-replication
Process where organisms reproduce copies of themselves.
Self-assembly
Molecules organize into structured arrangements spontaneously.
Autocatalysis
Process where a molecule catalyzes its own formation.
Cell membranes
Barrier that separates the interior of cells from the environment.
RNA World
Hypothesis that RNA was the first self-replicating molecule.
Metabolism First
Theory suggesting life began at hydrothermal vents using chemical energy.
Citric acid cycle
Key metabolic pathway for energy production in cells.
Evolutionary processes
Mechanisms like competition and selection driving evolution.
Chauvet cave art
Ancient artwork dating back approximately 35,000 years.
Superb bird of paradise
Species known for elaborate mating displays and sexual selection.
Natural selection
Process where organisms better adapted survive and reproduce.
Species
Group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
Geological time
Time scale used to describe Earth’s history.
Phylogeny
Study of evolutionary relationships among biological entities.
Lipid self-assembly
Formation of lipid bilayers, fundamental to cell membranes.
Chemical gradients
Differences in concentration that drive metabolic processes.
Prebiotic chemical soup
Hypothetical mixture of organic compounds leading to life.
Reducing power
Ability of substances to donate electrons in biosynthesis.
