QUIZ 1_PERPETUATION OF LIFE_BIOENERGETICS

Which of the following describes the key principle of biogenesis?

• All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.

• Life must be created from pre-existing life.

• Life can spontaneously arise from non-living matter.

• The chemical basis of life is the carbon atom.

Answer explanation

The key principle of biogenesis states that life arises from pre-existing life, rejecting the idea of spontaneous generation. Thus, the correct choice is that life must be created from pre-existing life.

Which of the following is NOT one of the primary tenets of modern cell theory?

• All cells arise from pre-existing cells.

• Cells are the smallest known living structures.

• All living organisms are composed of one or more cells.

• The cell is the basic structural and functional unit of life.

Answer explanation

The statement 'Cells are the smallest known living structures' is not a primary tenet of modern cell theory. While cells are fundamental to life, the smallest living entities can also include viruses, which are not cellular.

The concept that 'all cells arise from pre-existing cells' is most closely associated with which contributor to the cell theory?

• Rudolf Virchow

• Anton van Leeuwenhoek

• Theodor Schwann

• Matthias Schleiden

Answer explanation

Rudolf Virchow is known for the principle that 'all cells arise from pre-existing cells', which is a key component of cell theory. The other contributors focused on different aspects of cell structure and function.

The Miller-Urey experiment provided evidence for which stage in the origin of life?

• The formation of the first cell membranes.

• The synthesis of organic molecules from inorganic precursors.

• The development of a self-replicating genetic material.

• The process of photosynthesis in early organisms.

Answer explanation

The Miller-Urey experiment demonstrated that organic molecules, such as amino acids, could be synthesized from inorganic compounds under prebiotic conditions, supporting the idea of life's building blocks forming naturally.

All organic molecules contain which of the following elements?

• A. Hydrogen

• B. Nitrogen

• C. Oxygen

• D. Carbon

Answer explanation

All organic molecules are defined by the presence of carbon. While hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen can also be found in organic compounds, carbon is the essential element that characterizes all organic molecules.

Which of the following is the most abundant chemical compound in living organisms?

• A. Water

• B. Lipids

• C. Proteins

• D. Nucleic acids

Answer explanation

Water is the most abundant chemical compound in living organisms, making up a significant portion of their mass. It plays crucial roles in biochemical reactions and maintaining cellular structure.

Which of the following is a function of carbohydrates in living organisms?

• A. Acting as enzymes to catalyze chemical reactions.

• B. Serving as a main source of short-term energy.

• C. Carrying genetic information.

• D. Providing long-term energy storage.

Answer explanation

Carbohydrates primarily serve as a main source of short-term energy for living organisms, making option B the correct choice. Options A, C, and D describe functions of proteins and lipids, not carbohydrates.

Which of the following organic compounds are responsible for storing genetic information?

• A. Proteins

• B. Nucleic acids

• C. Lipids

• D. Carbohydrates

Answer explanation

Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are the organic compounds responsible for storing genetic information. They encode the instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms, unlike proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.

Francesco Redi's experiment, which used covered and uncovered jars of meat, was a significant step in disproving spontaneous generation. What was the most critical control in his experiment?

• A. The observation that maggots only appeared in the uncovered jars.

• B. The use of sterile broth in the jars.

• C. The introduction of a new variable by using different types of meat.

• D. The barrier that prevented flies from accessing the meat but still allowed air to enter.

Answer explanation

The critical control in Redi's experiment was that maggots only appeared in the uncovered jars, demonstrating that flies, not spontaneous generation, were responsible for the maggots. This observation was key to disproving spontaneous generation.

The Miller-Urey experiment, based on Oparin's hypothesis, aimed to simulate the conditions of early Earth. If their experiment had failed to produce any organic molecules, what would this have suggested about the Oparin hypothesis?

• A. That the atmosphere of early Earth was not conducive to the formation of life's building blocks.

• B. That life could have originated from meteorites.

• C. That the theory of biogenesis is incorrect.

• D. That DNA was the first self-replicating molecule.

Answer explanation

If the Miller-Urey experiment had failed, it would suggest that the early Earth's atmosphere was not suitable for forming organic molecules, supporting choice A and questioning Oparin's hypothesis.