A2.1 (Origin of Cells, HL)

Pre-Biotic

Before the existance of life/Cells

Organic Compounds

Carbon-containing molecules (excluding oxides and carbonates)

Spontaneous Generation

Production of living organisms from non-living matter

LUCA

The last universal common ancestor. It is the most recent common ancestor for all organisms on Earth

Domains

The highest taxonomic rank of all organisms taken together. The three domains are Eubacteria, Ekarya, & Archaea

Eubacteria

"True Bacteria" - The domain containing bacteria

Archaea

A highly diverse group of prokaryotes. It includes a number of “extremophiles”.

Eukarya

Organisms whose cells have a membrane-bound nucleus. Eukaryotes.

Evolution

The change in heritable characteristics of populations over successive generations

Amphipathic

Having both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions within the same molecule

Hydrophilic

Attracted to water; usually polar or charged and able to interact with water

Hydrophobic

Repelled by water; usually non-polar and unable to readily interact with water

Vesicle

A small membrane-bound sac used to transport or store substances within cells or to/from the cell

Ribozyme

RNA molecules in the ribosome that catalyze the formation of peptide bonds during protein synthesis

Hydrothermal Vent

An underwater vent that emits super-heated, mineral-rich water

Thermophiles

Organisms that thrive in hot conditions