LC01 Chemical Evolution

What is one of the first steps in the scientific process?

Analyzing data

Making observations (correct)

Forming a hypothesis

Conducting experiments

What is the importance of having a relatively high fidelity in the system of duplication of genetic information?

To ensure accurate reproduction of genetic information (correct)

To regulate chemical reactions

To produce energy

To prevent chaos

Which of the following best defines science?

A study of biology and biomedical sciences

A logical combination of specific phenomena

A method to understand and predict natural phenomena (correct)

A process of making observations and measurements

What is the starting point for science?

Observations, measurements, or ideas Signup and view all the answers

What are the three fundamental systems present in all living things or organisms?

A system of metabolism, a system of genetic information, and a system of biocatalysts Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of enzymes in living organisms, according to the text?

To regulate chemical reactions in the body Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what is the purpose of forming a hypothesis in science?

To make predictions Signup and view all the answers

Based on the text, what is the next step after making a prediction in the scientific process?

Making observations Signup and view all the answers

What is the nature of scientific theories, according to the text?

They are temporary and subject to change Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of science, according to the text?

To answer fundamental questions Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a hypothesis and a scientific theory, according to the text?

A hypothesis is based on observations, while a scientific theory is based on experiments Signup and view all the answers

What did the author propose as the driving force behind the evolution of different kinds of birds living on different islands?

The environment put pressure on the variable population of birds, allowing only the most fit to survive. Signup and view all the answers

Which term best defines a hypothesis?

A proposed explanation that can be tested Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of refining a hypothesis in the scientific process?

To make better predictions Signup and view all the answers

What did Charles Darwin observe on the Galapagos Islands?

Variation in bird species across different islands Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of science, according to the text?

To answer fundamental questions about the world Signup and view all the answers

How does science differ from religious explanations, according to the text?

Science is based on observation and testing, while religion is based on faith Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what did the author deduce about the different types of birds living on different islands?

They all originated from a common type of bird Signup and view all the answers

What did the author propose as the reason for the survival of only the fittest birds in each location?

The environment put pressure on the variable population Signup and view all the answers

What did the author suggest as the driving force behind the evolution of different kinds of birds living on different islands?

Natural selection Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the fittest birds surviving in each location?

It ensures the survival of the species Signup and view all the answers

What is the next step after making a prediction in the scientific process, according to the text?

Conducting experiments to test the prediction Signup and view all the answers

What is the Panspermia hypothesis, as mentioned in the text?

Life originates from space dust and comets Signup and view all the answers

What does the Panspermia hypothesis not explain, according to the text?

The process of how life originated Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'abio' refer to in the context of 'abiogenesis', as mentioned in the text?

Life from something that did not live Signup and view all the answers

What is the Luca or Luca, as mentioned in the text?

The last universal common ancestor Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how many billion years ago did Earth form?

4.6 billion years ago Signup and view all the answers

What is the age of the oldest fossils found on Earth?

3.5 billion years ago Signup and view all the answers

When did Earth's atmosphere become oxygen-rich?

2.5 billion years ago Signup and view all the answers

When did the Cambrian Explosion occur?

500 million years ago Signup and view all the answers

When did the impact of a meteorite occur that led to the extinction of dinosaurs?

65 million years ago Signup and view all the answers

When did the Earth cool down enough for water to become liquid?

700 million years ago Signup and view all the answers

When did life originate on Earth?

700 million years ago Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the early Earth's atmosphere, as described in the text?

Presence of oxygen Signup and view all the answers

What is the temperature range mentioned in the text for the early Earth when signs of life were first found?

Around 100 degrees Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the ozone layer mentioned in the text?

To filter UV radiation Signup and view all the answers

What is biogenic graphite?

A carbon-rich material that can only evolve from life Signup and view all the answers

What are stromatolites?

Deposits formed by blue-green algae in warm ponds Signup and view all the answers

What is the Oprah Haldane hypothesis?

An explanation for how life got kick-started Signup and view all the answers

What did Oprain and Haldane propose as the conditions for organic synthesis?

Water, dissolved molecules, comets, and electrical discharges Signup and view all the answers

Which molecules are present in the universe, according to the text?

Methanol, carbon dioxide, cyanides acids, methane, water Signup and view all the answers

What were the conditions of the experiment mentioned in the text?

Heating, sparking, boiling for weeks or months Signup and view all the answers

Which molecules were found in the experiment conducted by Uria Miller, according to the text?

Amino acids Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the experiment conducted by Uria Miller, as mentioned in the text?

The Discharge Experiment Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the simplest amino acid found in the experiment, according to the text?

Glycine Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the amino acid with a cyclic structure found in the experiment, according to the text?

Proline Signup and view all the answers

What is the starting point for the formation of molecules in the experiment, according to the text?

Inorganic starting materials Signup and view all the answers

What is the hypothesis that the experiment supports, according to the text?

The Building Blocks hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the size of the building blocks formed in the experiment, according to the text?

4-5 atoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the sparks in the Discharge Experiment, as mentioned in the text?

To simulate lightning Signup and view all the answers

What is the location where the meteorite used in the experiment was found, according to the text?

Antarctica Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what is the role of enzymes in biochemical reactions?

Enzymes speed up biochemical reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why biochemical reactions in our cells are slow without enzymes?

The absence of catalysts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of enzymes?

They prevent molecules from reacting Signup and view all the answers

What is the most simple form of life mentioned in the text?

Bacteria Signup and view all the answers

How many different kinds of proteins are there in the Escherichia coli bacteria?

1850 Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ribosomes in a cell?

Protein synthesis Signup and view all the answers

How many RNA molecules are there in the ribosomes of one Escherichia coli bacteria?

18,700 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of enzymes in living organisms, according to the text?

To bring together molecules that want to react Signup and view all the answers

What is the size of amino acids, as mentioned in the text?

Ten to 30 atoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of DNA in living organisms, according to the text?

To serve as a genetic blueprint Signup and view all the answers

Which molecule is considered the little brother of DNA?

RNA Signup and view all the answers

What are the four flavors of bases found in RNA nucleotides?

Uracil, cytosine, adenine, guanine Signup and view all the answers

What is the RNA world hypothesis?

RNA is the molecule that stood at the beginning of the origin of life Signup and view all the answers

What is the most striking difference between DNA and RNA?

DNA has more structural diversity than RNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary structure of RNA?

Nucleotide sequence Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of RNA in protein synthesis?

RNA copies DNA into RNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of ribosomes?

Two-thirds RNA and one-third protein Signup and view all the answers

What is the catalytic activity of RNA?

Ability to speed up biochemical reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of tRNA?

Double-stranded with helices and loops Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of RNA nucleotides in RNA molecules?

To provide structural diversity to RNA Signup and view all the answers

Which molecule is an enzyme made of RNA, not peptides?

Ribosine Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a ribosine interacts with a messenger RNA message?

The ribosine cuts the mRNA message Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of a ribosine in the RNA splicing process?

It acts as a catalyst Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a messenger RNA message when it is processed by a ribosine?

It is cut into fragments Signup and view all the answers

What is the catalytic activity of a ribosine?

It cuts mRNA messages Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a ribosine during the RNA splicing process?

It is consumed Signup and view all the answers

What is the stability of RNA in the absence of other enzymes?

Very stable Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a piece of RNA when it is dissolved in water?

It dissolves Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the enzyme made of peptides that synthesizes proteins?

Ribosome Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a piece of RNA when it is processed by a ribosine?

It is cut into fragments Signup and view all the answers

What are the building blocks used in the Yuri Miller experiment to form RNA nucleotides?

Formaldehyde and acetylene cyanide Signup and view all the answers

What was the problem encountered when trying to combine ribose and base to form a sugar nucleotide?

The ribose and base would not react under realistic conditions Signup and view all the answers

What was the alternative synthesis route proposed to solve the problem of combining ribose and base?

Make the ribose and base already together and then construct from them Signup and view all the answers

Which molecules were used in the alternative synthesis route to form sugar nucleotide molecules?

Glycoldehydes and aminocyanides Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions were the sugar nucleotide molecules formed in the alternative synthesis route?

Under low temperatures and presence of phosphate groups Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the alternative synthesis route in the context of the RNA world hypothesis?

It provides experimental proof for the formation of RNA nucleotides Signup and view all the answers

What are the two building blocks used in the alternative synthesis route to form sugar nucleotide molecules?

Formaldehyde and acetylene cyanide Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the reaction that forms ribose from formaldehyde?

Formosa reaction Signup and view all the answers

What were the small molecules found in the ocean and distant galaxies that served as building blocks in the Yuri Miller experiment?

Formaldehyde and acetylene cyanide Signup and view all the answers

What are the possible roles of RNA mentioned in the text?

Messenger, enzyme, and building block for larger structures Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of molecule T in the experiment mentioned in the text?

To combine molecules A and B together to form a dimer Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the ability of molecule T to form a new molecule of T by combining with molecules A and B?

Self-replication Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the experiment's design in terms of molecule T's replication?

It prevents the formation of nonsense molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of molecule T in the process of evolution mentioned in the text?

To combine two molecules of A and one molecule of B together Signup and view all the answers

What happens to most of the molecules formed during the replication process mentioned in the text?

They become nonsense molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe molecule T's ability to bring the ends of molecules A and B close together?

Dimer formation Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of molecule T in the formation of a larger RNA polymer?

To combine molecules A and B together to form a dimer Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe molecule T's ability to replicate itself?

Self-replication Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of molecule T's ability to interact with molecules A and B separately?

It allows for the formation of different kinds of molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of molecule T in the experiment mentioned in the text?

To combine molecules A and B together to form a dimer Signup and view all the answers

What is the most prevalent hypothesis regarding the origin of life mentioned in the text?

The RNA world hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of iron and sulfur in the iron sulfur world hypothesis?

They generate energy via redox chemistry Signup and view all the answers

What is the energy donor in the iron sulfur world hypothesis?

Iron sulfur minerals Signup and view all the answers

What is the mineral frequently found in sites where early fossils have been found?

Pyret Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of molecules being aligned on the pyrite surface in the iron sulfur world hypothesis?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the sparks in the Discharge Experiment mentioned in the text?

To generate energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of formate in the alternative synthesis route mentioned in the text?

To form larger macromolecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason why it is difficult to consider a self-replicating piece of RNA as a living thing?

It lacks DNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of a ribosome, as mentioned in the text?

Three subunits made up of over 80 proteins Signup and view all the answers

Where were the reactions of self-replicating RNA most likely to have occurred?

In a warm pond or a quiet piece of a warm ocean Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of the experiments mentioned in the text?

To understand the process of how a self-replicating RNA molecule can evolve into a living thing Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of ribosomes in the formation of polypeptide chains, as mentioned in the text?

Ribosomes use RNA and amino acids to build polypeptide chains Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the complex structure of a ribosome, as mentioned in the text?

It highlights the complexity of the steps required for a self-replicating RNA to evolve into a ribosome Signup and view all the answers

What is the current progress in the experiments mentioned in the text, according to the author?

There is still a long way to go, but there is a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of plasma membranes in the formation of protocells?

To surround droplets of water containing interesting molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of transport mechanisms in the formation of protocells?

To allow particular molecules to enter the cell from outside Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of micelles in the formation of protocells?

To serve as cell-like structures that can grow and divide Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the tarmac catastrophe in the formation of self-replicating RNA?

It highlights the challenge of forming self-replicating RNA spontaneously Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of low concentrations of building blocks in early Earth's environment?

They made successful collisions between molecules less likely Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge in forming self-replicating RNA according to the text?

The specific order in which the molecules need to be present Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the formation of cyanobacteria in the context of the text?

It represents the evolution of the first cells Signup and view all the answers

Which combination of elements is hypothesized to form protoenzymes in the early Earth?

Iron and sulfur Signup and view all the answers

Where in our cells today can iron-sulfur clusters be found?

Mitochondria Signup and view all the answers

What is homochirality in biochemistry?

The presence of asymmetrical molecules Signup and view all the answers

Which molecules in biochemistry are mentioned as examples of chiral molecules?

Amino acids and nucleotides Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of asymmetrical carbon atoms in molecules?

They result in mirror image molecules Signup and view all the answers

Which amino acid is mentioned as having an asymmetrical carbon atom?

Alanine Signup and view all the answers

What is the alternative explanation proposed for the origin of biochemistry?

The iron-sulfur hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the things that is not properly explained by the RNA world hypothesis or the iron-sulfur hypothesis?

Homochirality Signup and view all the answers

What is the proposed relationship between enzymes, RNA, and DNA?

RNA and DNA evolved from enzymes Signup and view all the answers

Which form of alanine is found exclusively in nature?

L alanine Signup and view all the answers

What form are sugars found in nature?

D form Signup and view all the answers

What are enantiomers?

Molecules with mirror images of each other Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the phenomenon of molecules having a left or right hand form?

Chirality Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the deviation from forming nice mixtures of enantiomers in laboratory settings?

Homo chirality Signup and view all the answers

What is the proposed reason for the survival of only one enantiomer in early chemical evolution?

Natural selection Signup and view all the answers

What is the size of the building blocks used in the formation of asymmetrical molecules in a normal chemical reaction?

Three atoms Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the form of molecules that are neither left nor right hand?

Symmetric Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the process of going from small, simple molecules to large, complex molecules?

Chemical evolution Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the mixture of two enantiomers in equal amounts?

Racemic mixture Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of biomedical sciences study, according to the text?

Studying the gene of life Signup and view all the answers

What is the most important hypothesis regarding the origin of life, according to the text?

The RNA world hypothesis Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of iron-sulfur clusters in cells, according to the text?

They are part of important enzymes Signup and view all the answers

What is homo chirality, as mentioned in the text?

The fact that amino acids are all L and sugars are all D Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of tRNA polymer in the replication process, according to the text?

It combines A and B to form molecule T Signup and view all the answers

Can RNA viruses be considered early life forms, according to the text?

No, because they lack sufficient energy source for replication Signup and view all the answers

Do students need to prepare anything for the next lecture, according to the text?

No, they do not need to prepare anything Signup and view all the answers

How was molecule T initially formed in the laboratory experiment, according to the text?

It was created by researchers Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of science, according to the text?

To explore possible explanations through scientific theories Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe molecule T's ability to replicate itself, according to the text?

Self-replication property Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the lecture on chemical evolution and origin of life?

The hypothesis of the RNA world Signup and view all the answers

Why is homo chirality important in the context of chemical evolution?

It helps in the identification of different sugars and amino acids Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of ribosomes?

Two-thirds RNA and one-third protein Signup and view all the answers

What is the next lecture after the one on chemical evolution?

The lecture on good laboratory practice Signup and view all the answers

How is the age of rocks and fossils estimated?

By measuring the amount of radioactive isotopes in the rocks Signup and view all the answers

Do we need to know the different structures of all sugars and amino acids?

Only the basic structure of a sugar is required Signup and view all the answers

Why is the RNA world theory preferred over other theories?

It has been extensively investigated and supported by positive evidence Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for the preference of the RNA world theory?

It has been experimentally proven Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of ribosomes, mentioned in the text?

Two-thirds RNA and one-third protein Signup and view all the answers

What is the next lecture after the one on chemical evolution, according to the text?

The lecture on good laboratory practice Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended way to access the PowerPoints for the lectures?

By going to the Canvas platform and navigating to modules and lectures Signup and view all the answers

Is there any homework for this course?

No, there is no homework Signup and view all the answers

What should students do to prepare for the lectures?

Read additional literature posted on Canvas Signup and view all the answers

Who should a student contact if they cannot come to the tutorials?

The student advisors Signup and view all the answers

What should students not forget about regarding the lectures?

To take notes during the lectures Signup and view all the answers

Will there be an exam on the subject?

Yes, there will be an exam Signup and view all the answers

What does DNL stand for?

Dexter and Lavo Signup and view all the answers

Who should a student contact if they have any questions?

The student advisors Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended way to process the lectures?

Rewatch the lectures multiple times Signup and view all the answers

Where can the list of people in the Block planning group be found?

The text does not mention where to find it Signup and view all the answers

What is the absolute configuration of a D sugar?

The hydroxyl group attached to the final asymmetrical carbon atom is pointing to the right Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the DNL in DNL sugars and DNL amino acids?

It refers to the absolute configuration of the molecule Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a D sugar and an L sugar?

The hydroxyl group attached to the final asymmetrical carbon atom points in opposite directions Signup and view all the answers

Where can one find a detailed explanation about DNL sugars and DNL amino acids?

In the book Introduction to General Organic and Biochemistry from Bettelheim Signup and view all the answers

What does the term DNL refer to in the context of sugars and amino acids?

The absolute configuration of the molecule Signup and view all the answers

Why do people tend to focus on RNA world theory, according to the text?

Because there is a lot of positive evidence available for it Signup and view all the answers

What is the danger in focusing only on RNA world theory, according to the text?

It limits investigation to only one aspect of the origin of life Signup and view all the answers

Where can one find a decent explanation about DNL sugars and DNL amino acids, according to the text?

In the book Introduction to General Organic and Biochemistry from Bettelheim Signup and view all the answers

What does the term DNL refer to in the context of sugars and amino acids, according to the text?

The absolute configuration of the molecule Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the DNL in DNL sugars and DNL amino acids, according to the text?

It refers to the absolute configuration of the molecule Signup and view all the answers