L1 Origins and characteristics of life

Question 1

Mechanism

Answer 1

How biological processes operate and function.

Question 2

Function

Answer 2

Purpose of biological processes in evolution.

Question 3

Abiogenesis

Answer 3

Theory explaining the origin of life from non-living matter.

Question 4

Last Universal Common Ancestor

Answer 4

Most recent common ancestor of all current life.

Question 5

Self-replication

Answer 5

Process where organisms reproduce copies of themselves.

Question 6

Self-assembly

Answer 6

Molecules organize into structured arrangements spontaneously.

Question 7

Autocatalysis

Answer 7

Process where a molecule catalyzes its own formation.

Question 8

Cell membranes

Answer 8

Barrier that separates the interior of cells from the environment.

Question 9

RNA World

Answer 9

Hypothesis that RNA was the first self-replicating molecule.

Question 10

Metabolism First

Answer 10

Theory suggesting life began at hydrothermal vents using chemical energy.

Question 11

Citric acid cycle

Answer 11

Key metabolic pathway for energy production in cells.

Question 12

Evolutionary processes

Answer 12

Mechanisms like competition and selection driving evolution.

Question 13

Chauvet cave art

Answer 13

Ancient artwork dating back approximately 35,000 years.

Question 14

Superb bird of paradise

Answer 14

Species known for elaborate mating displays and sexual selection.

Question 15

Natural selection

Answer 15

Process where organisms better adapted survive and reproduce.

Question 16

Species

Answer 16

Group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.

Question 17

Geological time

Answer 17

Time scale used to describe Earth’s history.

Question 18

Phylogeny

Answer 18

Study of evolutionary relationships among biological entities.

Question 19

Lipid self-assembly

Answer 19

Formation of lipid bilayers, fundamental to cell membranes.

Question 20

Chemical gradients

Answer 20

Differences in concentration that drive metabolic processes.

Question 21

Prebiotic chemical soup

Answer 21

Hypothetical mixture of organic compounds leading to life.

Question 22

Reducing power

Answer 22

Ability of substances to donate electrons in biosynthesis.