Cell Origins

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a process carried out by living things according to cell theory?

• Metabolism

• Photosynthesis

• Reproduction

• Homeostasis

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best explains why viruses are not considered living organisms?

• They lack metabolism and cannot reproduce on their own.

• They are too small to be seen with a microscope.

• They contain DNA and RNA.

• They can cause diseases in living things.

Open Ended

Explain the main steps involved in the process of abiogenesis as described in the images.

Multiple Select

Which of the following were necessary conditions for the spontaneous formation of organic compounds on early Earth?

• High temperature

• Reducing atmosphere

• Presence of free oxygen

• High levels of UV radiation

Fill in the Blanks

The Miller-Urey experiment demonstrated the non-living synthesis of organic molecules by recreating pre-biotic Earth conditions, including exposure to

(lightning).

Multiple Choice

What is the significance of the spontaneous formation of micelles and bilayers in water?

• They allow the formation of hydrophobic barriers, enabling internal chemistry to differ from the exterior.

• They increase the temperature of the solution.

• They prevent the formation of organic molecules.

• They provide energy for chemical reactions.

Multiple Choice

Why is RNA presumed to have been the first genetic material in early cells?

• It can self-replicate and has catalytic activity.

• It is more stable than DNA.

• It is found in all living organisms.

• It is required for protein synthesis.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a reason why water is vital for the formation and function of cells?

• Water dissolves polar or charged substances, enabling metabolic reactions.

• Water's polarity helps form lipid bilayers, separating internal and external conditions.

• Water's thermal properties help maintain stable internal conditions.

• Water prevents the assembly of complex organic molecules.

Multiple Select

Which of the following statements about the origin of water on Earth are correct?

• High temperatures during Earth's formation prevented water vapor from condensing.

• Water may have originated from distant asteroids where it could form ice.

• Earth's low gravity allowed it to retain all water vapor during formation.

• Collisions with asteroids contributed to Earth's ability to retain water.

Open Ended

Explain how the Goldilocks zone is related to the search for habitable planets with extraterrestrial life.

Fill in the Blanks

The inferred cell type from which all modern cells are derived is called

.

Open Ended

Describe two types of evidence that support the existence of a last universal common ancestor (LUCA).

Fill in the Blanks

Stromatolites are layered

deposits formed by cells.

Open Ended

Explain how the molecular clock is used to estimate evolutionary timelines and what assumption it relies on.

Multiple Choice

Which method do scientists use to estimate the dates of the first cells and the last universal common ancestor?

• Radiometric dating

• Biochemical evidence or phylogenetic comparisons

• Fossil record analysis

• Geological strata examination

Multiple Choice

What evidence supports the hypothesis that the last universal common ancestor (LUCA) existed near hydrothermal vents?

• Presence of oxygen in ancient rocks

• Fossilized bacteria in vent precipitates and genomic analysis

• Discovery of multicellular fossils

• High levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide

Multiple Choice

Which of the following are shared structures found in all cells?

• Cell wall, cytosol, mitochondria, ribosomes

• Cell membrane, cytosol, genetic material, ribosomes

• Nucleus, cytosol, ribosomes, chloroplasts

• Cell membrane, mitochondria, ribosomes, lysosomes

Fill in the Blanks

Over time, prokaryotic cells evolved internal compartments, leading to the formation of

cells.

Open Ended

List and describe two pieces of evidence that support the endosymbiotic origin of mitochondria and chloroplasts.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a survival advantage of multicellularity?

• Allows organisms to exceed size limits imposed by SA:Vol ratio

• Allows organisms to have longer lifespans

• Fosters complexity by allowing differentiation of cell types

• Prevents the occurrence of cancer

Open Ended

Explain how gene expression leads to cell differentiation in multicellular organisms.

Multiple Select

Which of the following steps are part of the origins of cells according to the overview diagram?

• Inorganic molecules

• Self-replicating carbon polymers

• Endosymbiosis

• Photosynthesis

Fill in the Blanks

Mitochondria have a double membrane due to

.

Open Ended

What is one question you still have about the origins of cells after this lesson?

Open Ended

Where did the first cell come from?