BioK Quick Quiz on The origin of cells (1.

5)

BioKnowledgy Quick Quiz on The origin of cells (1.5)

[19 marks]

1. Which statement is part of the cell theory?

A. Cells are composed of organic molecules.

B. Cells have DNA as their genetic material.

C. Cells have cytoplasm surrounded by a membrane.

D. Cells come from pre-existing cells.

(Total 1 mark)

2. Which of the following is a characteristic of organelles?

A. They are only found in eukaryotic cells

B. They are only found in prokaryotic cells

C. They are sub-cellular structures

D. They are all membrane bound

(Total 1 mark)

3. Which type of cell is likely to have arisen first?

A. Prokaryote

B. Animal cell

C. Plant cell

D. Virus
(Total 1 mark)

http://bioknowledgy.weebly.com/ (Chris Paine)

BioK Quick Quiz on The origin of cells (1.5)

4. The spontaneous origin of life on Earth is thought to have involved the non-living synthesis of simple
organic molecules.

(a) List two other processes needed for the spontaneous origin of life.

1. The non-living synthesis of simple organic molecules (from primordial inorganic compounds)
2. The assembly of these organic molecules into polymers
3. The formation of polymers that can self-replicate (enabling inheritance)
4. Packaging of these molecules into membranes with an internal chemistry different from their
surroundings (2)

(b) Outline the evidence that the spontaneous generation of cells does not now occur.

Evidence from Pasteur’s experiments that spontaneous generation of cells and organisms does
not now occur on Earth.
(3)

5. (a) State two properties of RNA that would allow it to play a role in the origin of life.

1. RNA can self-replicate

 RNA is able to store information in a sequence of four nucleotides (similar to DNA)

 Short sequences of RNA have been able to duplicate other molecules of RNA accurately

2. RNA can act as a catalyst

 Modern cells use RNA catalysts (called ribozymes) to remove introns from mRNA and help
synthesise new RNA molecules.
 In ribosomes, rRNA is found in the catalytic site and plays a role in peptide bond formation (2)

(b) Outline the experiment of Miller and Urey into the origin of organic compounds.

Miller and Urey recreated the conditions of pre-biotic Earth in a closed system consisting of a series of
flasks and tubes
 These conditions included a reducing atmosphere (low oxygen), high radiation levels, high
temperatures and electrical storms.
 Water was boiled to form vapor and then was mixed with methane, ammonia and hydrogen.
 The mixture of gases was exposed to an electrical discharge (sparks) to simulate lightning.
 The mixture was then allowed to cool and after one week was found to contain some simple
amino acids and complex oily hydrocarbons.
 Based on these findings, it was concluded that under the hypothesized conditions of pre-biotic
Earth, organic molecules could be formed. (3)

http://bioknowledgy.weebly.com/ (Chris Paine)

BioK Quick Quiz on The origin of cells (1.5)

6. Discuss the endosymbiotic theory for the origin of eukaryotes.

An endosymbiont is a cell which lives inside another cell with mutual benefit.

Eukaryotic cells are believed to have evolved from aerobic prokaryotes that were engulfed by
endocytosis.

Mitochondria and chloroplasts are suggested to have originated by endosymbiosis.

Evidence supporting the theory of endosymbiosis:

 Mitochondria and chloroplasts have their own DNA (which is naked and circular).

 Mitochondria and chloroplasts have ribosomes that are similar to prokaryotes (70S).

 Mitochondria and chloroplasts have a double membrane, and the inner membrane has proteins similar
to prokaryotes.

 Mitochondria and chloroplasts are roughly the same size as bacteria and are susceptible to the
antibiotic chloramphenicol.

(Total 6 marks)

http://bioknowledgy.weebly.com/ (Chris Paine)