Biology: Origin of Life, Prokaryotes, Eukaryotes, and Evolution

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to the origin of life, the evolution of prokaryotes, eukaryotes, and significant adaptations in various organisms as discussed in the lecture.

Protocells

Membrane-bounded droplets that have some properties of cells, possibly formed from organic compounds.

Organic Molecules

Molecules such as amino acids, lipids, sugars, and nitrogenous bases that can arise from inorganic precursors.

Natural Selection

The process through which early protocells containing self-replicating RNA increased in number over time.

Fossil Record

The history of life documented through fossils, revealing the rise and fall of different groups of organisms over time.

Radiometric Dating

A method used to estimate the age of fossils by measuring the decay of radioactive isotopes.

Transformation

A method of genetic recombination in prokaryotes where DNA from one cell is taken up by another cell.

Chemoautotrophy

A mode of nutrition in prokaryotes where organisms obtain energy by oxidizing inorganic substances.

Symbiosis

A close and often long-term interaction between two different biological species, which can be mutualistic, commensal, or parasitic.

Exotoxins

Toxins secreted by pathogenic bacteria that cause disease.

Endotoxins

Components of the outer membrane of certain bacteria that can trigger a strong immune response.

Endosymbiosis

The process by which eukaryotic cells originated from engulfing prokaryotic cells.

Plastids

Organelles, thought to have arisen from cyanobacteria, responsible for photosynthesis in plants.

Gametophyte

The haploid stage in the life cycle of plants that produces gametes.

Sporophyte

The diploid stage in the life cycle of plants that produces spores.

Gymnosperms

Plants that bear 'naked' seeds, typically found on cones.

Angiosperms

Plants that produce seeds enclosed in fruits; they dominate many ecosystems.

Mycelia

Networks of branched hyphae in fungi, adapted for nutrient absorption.

Heterokaryotic Stage

A stage in the sexual life cycle of fungi where cells have haploid nuclei from two parents.

Deuterostome Development

A type of embryonic development that includes specific patterns of cleavage and coelom formation, characteristic of echinoderms and chordates.

Notochord

A flexible, rod-shaped structure found in the embryos of all chordates, providing skeletal support.

Amniotic Egg

An egg that contains a protective amniotic fluid, allowing for reproduction on land.

Bipedalism

The ability to walk on two legs, a key characteristic of humans and some related hominins.