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70s ribosome
A smaller type of ribosome found in prokaryotic cells and mitochondria, consisting of a 50S large subunit and a 30S small subunit.
aerobic respiration
A metabolic process that uses oxygen to convert glucose into ATP, releasing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts
amphipathic
Describes a molecule that has both hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) regions, such as phospholipids in cell membranes.
anabolic reaction
A metabolic process that builds complex molecules from simpler ones, often requiring energy input, such as protein synthesis.
anaerobic respiration
A metabolic process that generates energy in the absence of oxygen by breaking down glucose or other molecules.
archaea
A domain of single-celled microorganisms that are genetically distinct from bacteria and often thrive in extreme environments.
atmosphere
The layer of gases surrounding a planet, essential for maintaining life and climate on Earth.
autotroph
An organism that produces its own food using light (photoautotroph) or chemical energy (chemoautotroph).
bacteria
A domain of prokaryotic microorganisms characterized by a lack of a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
biomarker
A molecule or substance that provides evidence of life, past or present, such as lipids or isotopic signatures.
capsule
A protective outer layer surrounding some bacteria, often made of polysaccharides, aiding in protection and attachment.
carbon compound
A molecule that contains carbon atoms, typically forming the basis of organic life, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.
catalyst
A substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being consumed, often reducing the activation energy needed.
cell
The smallest unit of life, capable of carrying out all essential biological functions.
cell wall
A rigid structure surrounding the cell membrane in plants, fungi, bacteria, and some archaea, providing support and protection.
chemoautotroph
An organism that obtains energy by oxidizing inorganic molecules and uses carbon dioxide as a carbon source.
cytoplasm
The gel-like substance within a cell, containing the organelles and the cytosol, where metabolic processes occur.
deductive reasoning
A logical process where conclusions are drawn from general principles or premises.
domain
The highest taxonomic rank in biological classification, consisting of Bacteria, Archaea, and Eukarya.
eukarya
A domain of life consisting of organisms with eukaryotic cells, characterized by a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.
eukaryotic
Refers to cells that have a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
extraplanetary
Relating to or originating from outside Earth or its atmosphere.
extremophile
An organism that thrives in extreme environmental conditions, such as high temperature or acidity.
fatty acid
A long hydrocarbon chain with a carboxylic acid group at one end, often found in lipids.
flagellum
A whip-like structure that enables movement in certain cells, such as bacteria and sperm.
hydrothermal vent
An opening on the seafloor that emits hot, mineral-rich water, providing energy sources for unique ecosystems.
inorganic molecule
A molecule that is not carbon-based, such as water, salts, and metals.
isotope
Variants of an element with the same number of protons but a different number of neutrons in the nucleus.
LUCA
An acronym for "Last Universal Common Ancestor," the most recent common ancestor of all current life on Earth.
methanogenesis
process where microorganisms produce methane as a byproduct of energy metabolism.
micelle
A spherical structure formed by amphipathic molecules in water, with hydrophilic heads outward and hydrophobic tails inward.
micrograph
An image or photograph taken through a microscope to show a magnified view of a specimen.
Miller-Urey experiment
An experiment that simulated early Earth conditions to demonstrate the possible abiotic synthesis of organic molecules.
molecular clock
A method for estimating the evolutionary time between species based on the mutation rates of biomolecules.
monomer
A single, simple molecule that can bind with others to form a polymer, such as amino acids or nucleotides.
naked DNA
DNA that is not associated with proteins, such as histones, typically found in prokaryotes.
nucleoid
A region in prokaryotic cells where the DNA is concentrated, not surrounded by a membrane.
organic molecule
A carbon-based molecule, often associated with living organisms, including carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids.
photoautotroph
An organism that uses light energy to synthesize food from carbon dioxide, like plants and algae.
pili
Hair-like structures on the surface of some bacteria used for attachment or exchange of genetic material during conjugation.
plasma membrane
The lipid bilayer that encloses the cell, controlling the movement of substances in and out.
plasmid
A small circular DNA molecule in bacteria that replicates independently of chromosomal DNA.
polymer
A large molecule made by linking together multiple monomers, such as proteins or DNA.
polymerization
The chemical process of joining monomers to form a polymer.
pre-biotic
Referring to the conditions or substances present before the emergence of life on Earth.
prokaryotic
Describes cells without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, such as bacteria and archaea.
protocell
A hypothetical early cell-like structure that may have been a precursor to modern cells.
reducing atmosphere
An early Earth atmosphere with little or no oxygen, rich in hydrogen and other reducing gases.
ribozyme
An RNA molecule capable of catalyzing specific biochemical reactions, such as cutting RNA strands.
RNA
Ribonucleic acid, a molecule essential for protein synthesis and carrying genetic information in some viruses.
self-replicate
The ability of a molecule or organism to make a copy of itself without external assistance.
self-sustaining
Describes a system or organism capable of maintaining itself without external input.
stromatolite
Layered, fossilized structures formed by the activity of microbial communities, often cyanobacteria.
ultrastructure
The detailed structure of a cell, observable only with an electron microscope.
vesicle
A small, membrane-bound sac in cells used for storage or transport of substances.
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