The Origins of Life: The Origin of Cells

Flashcards based on key concepts from the lecture notes on the origins of life and the origin of cells.

The first type of replicators in early cells were probably __.

RNA molecules.

The hypothesis that RNA served as the storage molecules for genetic information in early cells is known as the __.

RNA world model.

The __ are primitive cell-like structures with some properties of life, likely precursors to cells.

Protocells

Cell membranes consist of a double layer of __ molecules.

phospholipid

Phospholipids have a end and a end.

hydrophilic; hydrophobic

The process that led to the formation of larger molecules from monomers through the removal of water is known as __.

dehydration synthesis.

The energy to sustain life on Earth predominantly comes from the __.

SUN.

Geochemical activity may have been the source of energy for __ cells.

early

Isotope ratios through __ dating provide evidence of prokaryotic life dating back to 3.7 billion years ago.

radiometric

The theory proposing that mitochondria and chloroplasts originated from mutualistic associations between two prokaryotic cells is called the __ theory.

endosymbiotic.