Miller-Urey & Origin of Life

protocell

An abiotic precursor of a living cell that had a membrane-like structure and that maintained an internal chemistry different from that of its surroundings.

Prokaryote

A unicellular organism that lacks a nucleus and membrane bound organelles

Eukaryotes have

nucleus and membrane bound organelles

What are the characteristics of first life?

Single celled

Prokaryotic - no nucleus or organelles

Chemotrophic - fed off chemicals (sulfur, ammonia, methane, etc.)

Anaerobic - lived without free oxygen

Anaerobic

Describes a process that does not require oxygen.

chemtrophic

Uses chemicals (such as sulfur & ammonia) to create energy

What are the four steps to the current theory about the origin of first life?

1 - Chemical evolution

2 - Polymerization

3 - Microsphere formation

4 - Protocell & Prokaryotic cell formation

Miller & Urey

Simulated the early conditions on Earth and discovered that organic molecules could form from organic molecules.

Protein

An organic compound that is made of one or more chains of amino acids.

Carbohydrates

Chains of sugar molecules; stores energy

nucleic acids

made of chains of nucleotides

Lipids

fatty acid chain & glycerol found in the membranes of all living materials; store energy & waterproof coatings