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AP Biology 7.12: Origin of Life on Earth

Practise AP Biology 7.12 by evaluating testable origin-of-life hypotheses, early-atmosphere experiments and catalytic RNA evidence for RNA-world models.

Syllabus
Effective Fall 2025
Course
AP Biology

Exam points

  • evaluate which origin-of-life hypotheses can be tested with observations or experiments
  • interpret Miller-type experiments linking early atmospheric gases and energy to organic monomers
  • use catalytic RNA and universal RNA dependence as evidence for RNA-world models

Covered syllabus points

7.12.A—Describe the scientific evidence that supports models of the origin of life on Earth

7.12 Origins of Life on Earth question 1

[Maximum number: 1]

A researcher hypothesizes that RNA molecules
were present in the most recent common ancestor
of all living organisms. Which of the following
scientific questions would best test the
hypothesis?

A

Is it possible to produce an RNA polymer in
a laboratory setting?

B

How many distinct functions can a particular
RNA molecule perform in a cell?

C

How many different monomers of RNA are
found in a eukaryotic cell?

D

Do any known organisms function entirely
without RNA?

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