Origins of Life on Earth - AP Biology

Process of ATP generation via proton gradient. Uses proton gradients to synthesize ATP.

Origin of eukaryotic cells from prokaryotes. Organelles originated as symbiotic bacteria.

Ability to catalyze their own synthesis. Essential for evolution and inheritance of traits.

Biogenesis. Life only comes from pre-existing life.

Last Universal Common Ancestor. Hypothetical ancestor of all current life forms.

Ribozymes are RNA molecules with catalytic functions. Supports RNA world hypothesis - RNA can store info and catalyze.

Phospholipids. Form lipid bilayers that create cellular boundaries.

Aggregates of abiotically produced molecules. Early cell-like structures before true living cells.

ATP (adenosine triphosphate). Universal energy currency for cellular processes.

RNA. Can both store information and catalyze reactions.

Produced oxygen through photosynthesis. Changed atmosphere from reducing to oxidizing.

Spontaneous generation (historical theory). Disproven theory that life emerges from non-living matter.

Oxygen. Reducing atmosphere was necessary for organic synthesis.

Formation of self-replicating systems. Must explain how molecules began copying themselves.

Life arose from a primordial soup. Early hypothesis about chemical origin of life.

Miller-Urey experiment. Simulated early Earth conditions to test abiogenesis.

Showed organic molecules can form from inorganic precursors. Demonstrated abiotic synthesis of organic compounds.

Fossilized microbial mats, evidence of early life. Ancient structures showing early microbial communities.

Catalysts for polymerization of organic molecules. Mineral surfaces can concentrate and organize molecules.

Monomers of nucleic acids like RNA and DNA. Store genetic information and enable replication.

Formation and stabilization of Earth's crust. When Earth's surface first solidified from molten state.

Ozone layer. Blocks harmful UV radiation from reaching surface.

Radiometric dating. Uses radioactive decay to determine age of rocks/fossils.

Hydrothermal vents. Provide energy and chemical gradients for life processes.

Electric sparks and a mixture of gases. Mimicked lightning and primitive atmosphere composition.

Panspermia. Alternative to abiogenesis - life originated elsewhere in space.

Prokaryotic microbes. Simple single-celled organisms without nuclei.

Condensation reactions. Remove water to form bonds between organic molecules.

Proposes life originated on mineral surfaces. Metal sulfides could catalyze early biochemical reactions.