Life & Cell Theory
The basic unit of life.
What is the Cell?
What is metabolism?
The set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms.
Who is known as the father of modern evolution?
Charles Darwin.
What is LUCA?
The Last Universal Common Ancestor, the most recent common ancestor of all current life forms.
What is an independent variable in an experiment?
The independent variable is the factor that is intentionally changed or manipulated in an experiment.
What is the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells?
Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus; eukaryotic cells have a nucleus.
Also, eukaryotic cells have membrane-bound organelles!
What is the main purpose of cellular respiration?
To convert glucose into energy (ATP) for cells.
What does the theory of evolution suggest about the common ancestry of species?
It suggests that all species share a common ancestor and have diverged over time through evolutionary processes.
What does a cladogram show?
A cladogram is a diagram that shows the evolutionary relationships between different species based on shared characteristics.
What is a dependent variable in an experiment?
The dependent variable is the factor that is measured or observed to see how it changes in response to the independent variable.
What are the three main parts of cell theory?
1) All living organisms are composed of one or more cells. 2) The cell is the basic unit of life. 3) All cells come from pre-existing cells.
What is the difference between anabolism and catabolism?
Anabolism builds molecules and stores energy, while catabolism breaks down molecules and releases energy.
How do mutations play a role in the process of evolution?
Mutations introduce genetic variation, which can lead to new traits that may be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to survival.
How can a cladogram help scientists determine evolutionary relationships?
It organizes species based on shared traits and helps track common ancestry and evolutionary patterns.
Why is it important to have a control group in an experiment?
A control group is important because it allows you to compare the results with the experimental group and see if the independent variable is truly causing the effect.
Which organelle is responsible for energy production in eukaryotic cells?
The mitochondria.
What molecule is primarily used for energy in cells?
ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate).
What are the 4 mechanisms of evolution?
Natural Selection, Mutations, Genetic Drift and Gene Flow.
What is a characteristic that can be used to create a cladogram?
Physical traits, genetic similarities, or biochemical features.
What is a controlled variable?
A controlled variable is a factor that must be kept constant throughout the experiment to ensure that the results are only affected by the independent variable.
How does the cell theory support the idea that life arises from pre-existing life?
The cell theory states that all cells come from pre-existing cells, implying that life is continually passed down through cellular division.
How does the role of enzymes contribute to metabolic processes?
Enzymes act as catalysts, speeding up the chemical reactions that make up metabolism.
What is genetic drift?
Genetic drift is when the genetic makeup of a small population changes by chance.
What does a branching point (node) on a cladogram represent?
A branching point shows the most recent common ancestor of the species that branch off from it.
After making a hypothesis, what is the next step in the scientific method?
Conducting an experiment.