Lecture Review Flashcards for BIO153

This set of flashcards covers key concepts in biodiversity, evolutionary biology, and the fundamentals of living organisms, as discussed in lectures.

What is the last universal common ancestor (LUCA)?

The last common ancestor of all cellular life that existed about 4 billion years ago.

When did LUCA exist?

About 4 billion years ago.

What is the significance of LUCA in evolutionary biology?

LUCA is considered the ancestor from which all cellular life on Earth evolved.

How did LUCA evolve into diverse forms of life?

LUCA evolved into different forms of life through billions of years of evolution via natural selection.

What evidence do we have of evolutionary processes?

Fossils and genetic evidence provide insights, though direct observation of past samples is rare.

What are the three domains of life?

Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.

What distinguishes prokaryotes from eukaryotes?

Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotes have them.

What is biodiversity?

The variety of life forms on Earth, comprising different species and ecosystems.

What does the Kingdom Animalia consist of?

Multicellular eukaryotes that ingest other organisms.

What are the characteristics of domain Bacteria?

Diverse and widespread prokaryotes classified into multiple kingdoms.

What environments do Archaea typically inhabit?

Extreme environments, such as salty lakes and hot springs.

What is the main difference between gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria?

Gram-positive bacteria have a thick peptidoglycan layer, while gram-negative bacteria have a thin layer and an outer membrane.

What is the importance of peptidoglycan?

Peptidoglycan provides structural integrity to bacterial cell walls.

How does bacterial binary fission occur?

The parent cell divides into two new cells, allowing rapid population growth.

What is the role of antibiotics in relation to bacterial infections?

Antibiotics target peptidoglycan in bacterial cell walls, disrupting growth.

What is horizontal gene transfer?

The transfer of genetic material between different species.

What are the basic requirements for life?

Life requires energy, a carbon source, and other elements like nitrogen.

What is the primary process by which plants and some bacteria capture energy?

Photosynthesis.

What defines photoautotrophs?

Organisms that use light as an energy source and CO2 as a carbon source.

What is glycolysis?

The metabolic process that breaks down glucose to extract energy, yielding pyruvate and ATP.

What is fermentation, and when does it occur?

Fermentation is an anaerobic process that converts pyruvate into lactic acid or alcohol to regenerate NAD+.

What are the two main forms of respiration organisms can utilize?

Aerobic respiration and anaerobic respiration.

What differentiates cyanobacteria from other bacteria?

Cyanobacteria are capable of oxygenic photosynthesis.

How do plants differ from algae ecologically?

Plants primarily occupy terrestrial habitats, while algae are aquatic.

What adaptations do plants have for surviving on land?

Vascular tissues, specialized roots, and mechanisms for water and nutrient absorption.

What are gymnosperms?

Seed-producing plants that do not form flowers or fruits.

What are angiosperms?

Flowering plants that bear seeds enclosed in a fruit.

What are the main roles of flowers in angiosperms?

Attracting pollinators and facilitating reproduction.

What is the significance of vascular tissue in ferns?

It allows the transport of water and nutrients necessary for growth.

What is a major function of roots in vascular plants?

Anchoring the plant and absorbing water and nutrients from the soil.

Describe the basic life cycle of a moss.

Moss life cycle predominantly features a gametophyte stage, which is photosynthetic and produces gametes.

What is the role of a flower's carpel?

It is the female reproductive organ that contains ovules.

What is the difference between mutualism and parasitism?

Mutualism benefits both species, while parasitism benefits one at the expense of the other.

What defines a chordate?

A member of the phylum Chordata, characterized by features such as a notochord and dorsal nerve cord.

What are the four derived traits of chordates?

Notochord, dorsal hollow nerve cord, pharyngeal slits, and post-anal tail.

What are some adaptations of vertebrates?

A complex nervous system and a skeleton that allows for increased mobility.

What is the distinction of mammals from other vertebrates?

Mammals have hair and produce milk for their young.

What is one ecological advantage of having a diverse gut microbiome?

It helps in digesting food and synthesizing essential nutrients.

What defines eukaryotes?

Organisms whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes.

What is the classification method that groups organisms based on common ancestry?

Cladistics.

What are two major types of symmetry in animals?

Radial symmetry and bilateral symmetry.

How do animals differ from fungi in terms of nutrition?

Animals are heterotrophic, relying on ingestion, while fungi are decomposers.

What refers to animals with a backbone?

Vertebrates.

What indicates the evolutionary relationship between species based on genetic similarity?

Molecular phylogenetics.

How do euglena differ from other protozoans?

Euglena have both plant-like chloroplasts and animal-like mobility.