Importance of Carbon
What is an element?
An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means.
Who proposed the hypothesis regarding Earth's early atmosphere?
Urey proposed the hypothesis regarding methane, ammonia, hydrogen, and water vapor in the early atmosphere.
In what three phases does water exist?
Water exists as a solid (ice), liquid (water), and gas (steam).
How do proteins contribute to the structure of cells?
Proteins provide structure, support, and facilitate biochemical reactions in cells.
What is metabolism in living organisms?
Metabolism encompasses all biochemical processes that occur within an organism, including energy production and usage.
Define matter and provide examples of elements.
Matter is anything that has mass and occupies space; examples include oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon.
What was the purpose of simulating lightning in the experiment?
Lightning provided energy to drive the chemical reactions necessary for forming amino acids.
How does water act as a universal solvent?
Water dissolves many substances due to its polarity, making it a universal solvent.
What distinguishes lipids from other biomolecules?
Lipids are not polymers; they are made of hydrocarbons and serve functions like energy storage.
What characteristics must an organism possess to be classified as living?
An organism must exhibit characteristics such as growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli to be classified as living.
What is the atomic number and mass number of carbon?
Atomic number is 6, mass number is 12.
What did Stanley Miller discover after one week of his experiment?
Miller discovered amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.
Explain the difference between hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules.
Hydrophilic molecules dissolve in water, while hydrophobic molecules do not (e.g., oils).
What are amino acids, and why are they important?
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins; they play critical roles in biological functions.
What is meant by evolution in the context of living organisms?
Evolution refers to the gradual change in living organisms over generations, adapting to their environments.
How does carbon's ability to form covalent bonds contribute to the diversity of organic molecules?
Carbon can form long chains and complex structures, leading to the diversity of organic molecules found in living organisms.
What four gases were used in the Miller-Urey experiment?
Methane, ammonia, hydrogen, and water vapor.
Why is water considered a polar molecule?
Water's polar nature results in unequal sharing of electrons, giving it unique properties.
What is the primary function of carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates provide energy and structural support for cells.
Describe the process of homeostasis in living organisms.
Homeostasis is the process by which living organisms maintain stable internal conditions despite external changes.
What are the reasons carbon is essential for life?
Carbon's ability to form four covalent bonds allows for a vast array of complex molecules, essential for life.
How did the Miller-Urey experiment simulate early Earth conditions?
It simulated conditions of early Earth by mixing gases and using energy sources to trigger chemical reactions.
What role does water play in chemical reactions?
Water acts as a solvent, facilitates chemical reactions, and helps break apart compounds.
What are the four major biomolecules, and what are their functions?
The major biomolecules are carbohydrates (energy), proteins (structure and function), lipids (energy storage), and nucleic acids (genetic information).
What are the essential traits of living organisms?
Essential traits include cellular organization, reproduction, metabolism, homeostasis, heredity, response to stimuli, growth and development, and adaptation through evolution.