Origin of Life Free Response www.njctl.org Slide 3 / 8 1 Dry air - PDF document

Slide 1 / 8 New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning Progressive Science Initiative This material is made freely available at www.njctl.org and is intended for the non-commercial use of students and teachers. These materials may not be used for any commercial purpose without the written permission of the owners. NJCTL maintains its website for the convenience of teachers who wish to make their work available to other teachers, participate in a virtual professional learning community, and/or provide access to course materials to parents, students and others. Click to go to website: www.njctl.org Slide 2 / 8 Origin of Life Free Response www.njctl.org Slide 3 / 8 1 Dry air from Earth's atmosphere contains 78.08% nitrogen, 20.95% oxygen, 0.93% argon, and 0.038% carbon dioxide, but only traces of hydrogen and helium gases. The formula for kinetic energy is KE = 1/2mv2. Explain, based upon this, why hydrogen and helium gases have A escaped the Earth’s atmosphere, but nitrogen and carbon dioxide gases remain. Hydrogen gas is used to fuel rockets, and helium is used to fill balloons. How do scientists and manufacturers B obtain these gases?

Slide 4 / 8 2 Scientists, such as Stanley Miller, have conducted important experiments to determine the origins of life on Earth. A Describe the setup of Miller’s experiment and the results. B What was the significance of his results? Slide 5 / 8 3 Chemical reactions are important for the synthesis and recycling the organic matter. Explain each of the following types of reactions and give an example. A dehydration synthesis hydrolysis B Slide 6 / 8 4 The concept of a LUCA reflects a theory about the ancestry of life on earth that is supported by vast amounts of evidence throughout time. A What does LUCA stand for? B What is the main idea of LUCA? C Provide at least 5 pieces of evidence supporting the existence of LUCA.

Slide 7 / 8 5 Production of phospholipid molecules is considered to be one of the critical steps toward the development of life. A Describe the structure of phospholipid molecules. B Explain how the structure of individual phospholipid molecules results in membranes. C Why is the development of membranes considered an important step in the emergence of life on earth? Slide 8 / 8 6 In very early cells, RNA played distinct roles that allowed for the key processes of life. A Describe two of these roles. B Name the macromolecule that currently performs this function.