L11: The Evolution of Life Flashcards
1
Q
define life
A
- capable of self-replication
- subject to Darwinian evolution
2
Q
define life - self-replication
A
relying only on small molecules and energy
3
Q
define life - Darwinian evolution
A
mutations and modifications give rise to traits that allow more efficient growth and replication
4
Q
what is the simplest free-living life form
A
- Mycoplasma bacteria
- some species can have as low as 525 genes in a genome of only 0.58 magabase pairs (Mp)
