The Diversity of Life + Building Blocks of Life (L2/3) Flashcards
Earth formed about how many years ago? How was this identified?
4.5 billion years ago - microfossils were the first evidence of life
How big are organelles?
depends on the specific structure; but ranges around 1-10 microns
Most cells and organelles are measured using what?
Micrometres/microns
Internal cell structures and organelles are measured using what?
Nanometres
When organisms that vary pass on their characteristics and survive differentially
Evolution
It is a mechanism to explain evolution that suggests how organisms change over time due to varying selective pressures
Natural Selection
What are the requirements for natural selection?
Variation. Inheritance. Selection. Time.
T/F: DNA shows evidence for evolution and natural selection.
True. Because natural selection/evolution acts on biological molecules, which means that the molecules that make up species undergo these processes as well.
This describes a visual representation of similar characteristics between species over time.
Phylogenetic tree
What are the 3 domains of life?
Eukarya, Archaea, Bacteria
What is the Endosymbiosis theory?
Two key organelles in eukaryotes are derived from bacteria. Like how mitochondria comes from proteobacteria, and chloroplasts come from cyanobacteria.
What is the difference between a prokaryote and a eukaryote?
Membrane enclosed organelles present
What are macromolecules?
Organic biological molecules that are necessary for life. Usually comprised of Proteins, DNA, RNA, complex carbohydrates (polysaccharides), lipids
- macromolecules are made of building blocks
What are biological molecules made of?
Building blocks, macromolecules, supramolecular assemblies, organelles
What are the four levels of carbohydrates? Explain.
Monosaccharides and disaccharides (simple sugars/carbs)
Oligosaccharides and polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates)
What are the functions of carbohydrates?
Recognition. Energy (storing energy). Provide structure (mainly complex carbs).
What are nucleic acids?
DNA and RNA. These are informational molecules. DNA contains genetic information, RNA works to use information to produce proteins (translation)
What are proteins?
Molecules by which cells perform their functions in the whole organism. Basically molecules that allow cells to function properly or carryout specific functions
What are the functions of lipids?
Lipids are non-polymeric. They provide structure to structures like cell membranes. Regulatory functions: testosterone/estradiol. And store energy.
In what form is carbohydrate stored in plants and animals?
Starch = plants, glycogen = animals
