Chapter 1: Biology and the Tree of Life - pt.3

who proposed the chromosome theory of inheritance and when ?

Sutton and Boveri, 1902

what is the pattern component of the chromosome theory?

all cells contain genetic information encoded in genes located in chromosomes

where is DNA found ?

in chromosomes

what is the structure of DNA ?

double-stranded helix

is genetic information the same in all organisms?

no, it is different in every organism

what is the process component of the chromosome theory?

how information is transmitted from one generation of cells to another

what is the central dogma of molecular biology?

DNA → RNA → Protein

what causes differences in organisms characteristics?

differences in DNA lead to different in proteins, which affect traits

what two fundamental nutritional needs do organisms have?

1) acquire chemical energy in the form of ATP

2) obtain carbon-based molecules to build complex molecules

how is energy acquisition affected life?

it has contributed to the diversification of life

who created the first tree of life ?

Carl Woese

what was Carl Woese goal?

to understand phylogeny (genealogical relationships)

what are ribosomal RNA (rRNA)

RNA found in all organisms, made 4 ribonucleotides (A, G, U, C)

Why is rRNA useful in studying evolution?

rRNA sequences are similar in closely related organisms and can change over time

What do modern trees of life include?

Data from many different genetic materials

What is speciation?

Natural selection causing a population of one species to diverge into new species

What are the three domains of life?

Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya

What groups are in Eukarya?

Plantae, Fungi, Animalia, Protists

Main difference between Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes?

Eukaryotes have a membrane-bound nucleus, prokaryotes do not

Other differences between Eukaryotes and Prokaryotes?

• Eukaryotes are larger

• Eukaryotes have organelles

• DNA organization differs

What is taxonomy?

The description, identification, nomenclature, and classification of organisms

Who is the father of taxonomy?

Carl Linnaeus

How did Carl Linnaeus classify organisms?

By similarities (animals, plants, minerals)

What is binomial nomenclature?

A system of naming species using two words:

• Genus (capitalized)

• species (lowercase)