Origin of Life

Question 1

Cell Origin Hypothesis

Answer 1

Protobionts are microspheres that exhibit many characteristics of life. Good cell precursor. Contains amino acid chains (proteinoids). Contains vesicles. Split when they get large. Semi permeable membranes. Able to absorb and store energy.

Question 2

Miller and Urey

Answer 2

First N bases and Amino acids formed from “primordial soup.” Miller and Urey attempted to recreate this, mixed NH3, H2O, CH4, and H2 with condensing tubes, added a current, resulted in 21 different Amino Acids.

Question 3

Importance of Miller and Urey

Answer 3

Showed abiotic monomer production is possible.

Question 4

Problem with Miller and Urey

Answer 4

They used the wrong mix of chemicals. There would have been more CO2, H2, HE. Reruns produced N bases.

Question 5

RNA World Hypothesis

Answer 5

All life needs information carrying molecules (nucleic acids) to connect with trait producing molecules (proteins). Necessary for reproduction and to produce traits. RNA was likely the original information molecules.

Question 6

Evidence for Origin of Life

Answer 6

1. RNA nucleotides can be produced in lab experiments
2. Direct molecular connection between amino acids and RNA, simpler than DNA - RNA - A.A
3. RNA can act as biological catalyst even acting as an autocatalytic.
4. RNA is extremely versatile

Question 7

Hypothesis for Internal Membrane

Answer 7

Is the invagination of cell membrane to produce internal membrane.

Question 8

Hypothesis for Complex Organelles

Answer 8

Endomeiosis of other prokaryotes. Mutually beneficial. Chloroplasts and mitochondria have DNA.

Question 9

Clay World Hypothesis

Answer 9

Silicone crystals can abiotically produce organic monomers in the correct solution.

Question 10

Deep Biosphere

Answer 10

Several km below the surface filament structure called nanobes that may contain nucleic acids.

Question 11

Pansperma

Answer 11

“all seed”. Life or building blocks may have arrived from outer space via bombardment.