Life's Beginning on Earth

Front

What is the first step necessary for life to emerge on Earth?

Back

Abiotic synthesis of amino acids and nucleic acids.

Front

Which molecules evolved first, RNA or DNA?

Back

RNA molecules evolved first; they are less stable than DNA.

Front

What is the significance of RNA in early life forms?

Back

RNA is essential for storing, retrieving, and conveying molecular information to construct components of cells.

Front

What experiment supports the abiotic synthesis of organic molecules?

Back

The Stanley Miller & Harold Urey experiment.

Front

What did the Miller-Urey experiment demonstrate?

Back

It demonstrated that amino acids and other organic compounds can form naturally under conditions simulating early Earth.

Front

What is the second step necessary for life to emerge on Earth?

Back

Monomers must join to form more complex polymers using energy from the environment.

Front

What are examples of complex polymers formed from monomers?

Back

Monosaccharides form polysaccharides, phospholipids form cell membranes, RNA synthesizes proteins from amino acids, and chromosomes are created from DNA.

Front

What experiment supports the formation of complex polymers?

Back

Simulations using natural materials like pyrite, sand, or clay subjected to intense sunlight and tidal actions.

Front

What is the third step necessary for life to emerge on Earth?

Back

RNA/DNA must form and gain the ability to reproduce and stabilize with chemical bonds and complementary bonding.

Front

What experiment supports the role of RNA as an enzyme?

Back

Experiments by Thomas Cech and Sidney Altman revealed that small RNA strands can function as enzymes, termed ribozymes.