Topic 2 - Origins of Life

Question 1

Abiotic Synthesis

Answer 1

The creation of chemical compounds that are non-living. These include nucleic acids, lipids, and amino acids.

Question 2

Miller-Urey Apparatus

Answer 2

Consisted of heated water in round bottom flask that rose to a mixing chamber consisting of methane (CH4), Diatomic Hydrogen (H2), and Ammonia (NH3), and condensed into a collection vial. Successfully produced amino acids.

Question 3

Monomer

Answer 3

A basic subunit that serves as the building block for polymers.

Question 4

Polymer

Answer 4

A long molecule consisting of many similar or identical monomers linked together by covalent bonds.

Question 5

Protocell

Answer 5

Non-living aggregates that have some characteristics of living cells.

Question 6

Vesicle

Answer 6

Hollow spheres enclosed by a lipid barrier.

Question 7

Macromolecule

Answer 7

A molecule that consists of a large number of atoms such as a protein, nucleic acid, and synthetic polymer.

Question 8

Reducing atmosphere

Answer 8

Atmosphere was reducing and electron adding, where compounds could have formed from simple molecules.

Question 9

Ribozyme

Answer 9

An RNA molecule that can self replicate and catalyze reactions

Question 10

DNA

Answer 10

A nucleic acid molecule, usually a double stranded helix, in which each polynucleotide strand consists of a nucleotide monomer with a deoxyribose sugar and the nitrogenous base adenine (A), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G), and Thymine (T). Capable of being replicated and determining inherited structure of cells protein.

Question 11

RNA

Answer 11

A type of nucleic acid consisting of a polynucleotide made up of nucleotide monomers with a ribose sugar and nitrogenous bases adenine (A), Cytosine (C), Guanine (G), and Uracil (U); Usually single stranded; functions in protein synthesis, in gene regulation, and as the genome of some viruses.

Question 12

Oxygen Revolution

Answer 12

A surge in atmospheric oxygen due to its large scale production by photosynthetic organisms.

Question 13

Adaptive Radiations

Answer 13

Periods of evolution change in which organisms for many new species whose adaptations allow them to fill different ecological niches.

Question 14

Stramatolites

Answer 14

Layered rocks that form when certain prokaryotes bind thin films of sediment together.

Question 15

1) Prokaryotes

2) When were they first developed

Answer 15

1) An organisms whose cells lack a membrane enclosed nucleus and membrane bound organelles.
2) 3.5 Billions Years Ago

Question 16

1) Eukaryotes

2) When did they first emerge?

Answer 16

1) An organism whose cell has a membrane bound enclosed nucleus and membrane enclosed organelles.
2) 1.8 Billions Years Ago

Question 17

Speciation

Answer 17

An evolutionary process in which one species splits into two or more species.

Question 18

Extinction

Answer 18

When a species is eradicated

Question 19

Mass Extinction

Answer 19

When a large number of species become extinct worldwide.