Origin of Cells

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the origin of cells and basic cell theory as discussed in the lecture.

Cell Theory

A concept in biology that states all living organisms are made up of one or more cells.

Smallest Unit of Life

Cells are the smallest unit of life; they are the basic building blocks of all living organisms.

Preexisting Cells

All existing cells come from preexisting cells.

Seven Functions of Life

Basic functions that define living organisms, which can be remembered by the mnemonic H, hi Mr Green.

H (Homeostasis)

The ability of an organism to maintain a stable internal environment.

M (Metabolism)

The sum of all chemical processes that occur within a living organism.

R (Response)

The ability of an organism to respond to external stimuli.

G (Growth)

The process of increasing in size or number.

R (Reproduction)

The biological process by which new individual organisms are produced.

E (Excretion)

The removal of waste products from an organism.

N (Nutrition)

The process of obtaining food for energy, growth, and maintenance.

Louis Pasteur's Experiment

An experiment that demonstrated that living organisms do not arise spontaneously but from existing life.

Carbon Compounds

Essential molecules required for the formation of cells.

Polymers

Large molecules made up of smaller organic molecules, essential for cell structure.

Vesicles

Membranous structures that enclose cellular components and provide optimal conditions for cell growth.

RNA Replication

The process through which RNA molecules must exist for inheritance to occur.

Miller-Urey Experiment

An experiment that simulated early Earth conditions to explore the origins of organic compounds.

Protocells

Primitive cell-like structures that are considered precursors to true cells.

Prokaryotic Cells

Cells that lack a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles. Their genetic material is located in the cytoplasm.

Eukaryotic Cells

Cells that possess a membrane-bound nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, where genetic material is enclosed within the nucleus.

Key Differentiator of Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes

The presence or absence of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.