Tree of Life and Common Ancestors Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes eukaryotic cells from prokaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells lack organelles.

Eukaryotic cells have a nucleus. (correct)

Eukaryotic cells are smaller than prokaryotic cells.

Eukaryotic cells are always unicellular.

Which of the following statements is true regarding prokaryotic cells?

They contain a nucleus.

They are larger than eukaryotic cells.

They include bacteria and archaea. (correct)

They can be unicellular or multicellular.

What major evolutionary occurrence marks the transition from prokaryotic to eukaryotic cells?

Absence of DNA.

Formation of multicellular organisms.

Discovery of viruses.

Development of a nucleus. (correct)

Which of the following correctly describes the size comparison between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?

Eukaryotic cells range from 10-100 micrometers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups is considered the first eukaryotes to evolve from prokaryotes?

Protists Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of inserting the insulin gene into bacteria in transgenic biology?

To produce insulin for diabetes treatment Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones is used to treat dwarfism?

Human growth hormone (HGH) Signup and view all the answers

What is recombinant technology primarily used for?

To transfer genetic material and alter DNA Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following diseases is associated with the microbe Helicobacter pylori?

Gastric ulcers Signup and view all the answers

What is a therapeutic use of transgenic technology related to hemophiliacs?

Production of clotting factor proteins Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic distinguishes Archaea from other organisms?

Unique cell wall made of pseudomurein Signup and view all the answers

What type of metabolic requirement do heterotrophic Archaea have?

Organic or inorganic carbon Signup and view all the answers

Why are Archaea considered non-pathogenic organisms?

They prefer extreme environments and lack disease-causing mechanisms Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of organisms present in a gram of soil?

40 million Signup and view all the answers

What defines the environmental niche of Archaea?

Extreme environments like high temperatures or salinity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a challenge in studying Archaea?

Many species remain undiscovered and cannot be cultured in labs Signup and view all the answers

In what way are Archaea significant in environmental science?

They play roles in nutrient cycles in extreme environments Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an environment where Archaea might be found?

Desiccated deserts Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true about the metabolic capabilities of Archaea?

Some Archaea are capable of anaerobic respiration Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'mixotrophic' refer to in the context of nutritional strategies?

Organisms that can use both inorganic and organic materials for nutrition Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tree of Life

All living organisms are believed to have descended from a common ancestor, depicted in the Tree of Life diagram.
Eukaryotic organisms evolved from prokaryotic cells, with an initial split resulting in protists, marking the emergence of the first eukaryotes.

Cell Types

Two main cell types exist: prokaryotic and eukaryotic.
Prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria and archaea, lack a nucleus and organelles, are small (1-3 µm), and are typically unicellular.
Eukaryotic cells possess a nucleus, are larger (10-100 µm), and can be either unicellular or multicellular.

Viruses

Viruses are not classified as living organisms; they are acellular, obligate intracellular parasites.
They are smaller and simpler than cells, consisting of DNA or RNA wrapped in a protein coat (capsid), and cannot reproduce independently.

Prokaryotes vs. Eukaryotes

Prokaryotes include bacteria and archaea, characterized by a lack of membrane-bound organelles.
Eukaryotes encompass all other cell types with organelles and a defined nucleus.

Recombinant Technology

Enables the transfer of genetic material between organisms.
Applications include the production of insulin from bacteria for diabetes treatment and human growth hormone for dwarfism.

Microbes and Disease

Emerging and reemerging diseases are linked to microbes.
Helicobacter pylori is associated with gastric ulcers, whereas COVID-19 is a recent example of a viral disease outbreak.

Archaea

Known as "extreme bacteria," with unique features like pseudomurein in their cell wall, allowing survival in harsh environments.
Non-pathogenic due to adaptations to extreme conditions.

Taxonomy

Taxonomy is the science of classifying living organisms and understanding their relationships.
Decomposers play a critical role in ecosystems by breaking down larger molecules.
Pathogenic microbes are classified as primary pathogens, which affect healthy individuals, or opportunistic pathogens, which only cause disease in immunocompromised individuals.

Contributions of Microbes

Certain microbes produce useful compounds, such as oxygen and glucose through photosynthesis.
Fermented foods like cheese, vinegar, and bread arise from microbial activity.

Important Microbial Facts

Antibiotics like penicillin are derived from fungi and play significant roles in treating bacterial infections.
Most microbes in the environment remain undiscovered and cannot be cultured in laboratory settings.

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Description

Test your understanding of the Tree of Life diagram and the evolutionary relationships of all living things. This quiz will cover prokaryotes and the concept of descent from a common ancestor. Prepare to draw and analyze various evolutionary paths.