Study Guide: Exam 1 Ch. 1 Flashcards
Expect to get an A on the exam. Or, at least pass...
What is a living organism?
Living organisms are all descended from a single-celled ancestor (a single common ancestor). Composed of a common set of chemical parts, such as nucleic acids (one example is DNA, which is the important molecule that carries our genetic information) and amino acids (the chemical building blocks that make up proteins), and similar structures, such as cells enclosed within membranes.
How can you tell a living organism from non-living things?
- Common set of chemical components and similar structure.
- Depend on interactions among structurally complex parts to maintain the living state.
- Contain genetic information that uses a nearly universal code.
- Convert molecules obtained from their new environment into new biological molecules.
- Extract energy from the environment.
- Replicate their genetic information.
- Evolve through gradual changes in genetic information.
Give examples of living organisms.
Humans, Mammals, Reptiles, etc.
How many times did life originate on Earth?
All life originated from one common ancestor.
Do all living things extract energy from light through photosynthesis?
No, only photosynthetic organisms can extract energy from light.
Are all living things multicellular?
No, unicellular organisms (ex. bacteria) exist.
Earth is approximately _________ years old.
between 4.5 and 4.6 billion
Why is Ozone important to life on Earth?
With the evolution of photosynthesis, O2 was a by-product and began accumulating in the air. O2 also produced a layer of Ozone (O3) in the upper atmosphere.
A.N.: Organisms that tolerated O2 evolved aerobic metabolism (energy production using O2)
List the parts of the cell and their respective functions.
Nucleus: contains genetic information
Mitochondria: sites of energy generation
Chloroplasts: sites of photosynthesis
Organelles: some cells evolved membrane-enclosed compartments where specialized functions can be performed.
What type of organism caused the initial accumulation of oxygen in the atmosphere?
Earliest photosynthetic cells were probably similar to cyanobacteria.
Question 7 is unable to be computed into this flashcard, so this is to remind you to look at it!
Refer to the study guide
What is a phylogenetic tree?
Document and diagram evolutionary relationships. relationships are based on fossil evidence, structures, metabolic processes, behavior, and molecular analyses.
