Question 2
[Maximum number: 1]
Which of the following characteristics found in a structure necessarily indicates that it is alive?
A
The presence of genetic material
B
The presence of a lipid bilayer
C
Metabolism
D
Movement
IB Biology SL A2.1 Origins of cells Question Bank
A2.1 Origins of cells
- A2.1.1—Conditions on early Earth
- A2.1.2—Cells as smallest units of life
- A2.1.3—Spontaneous origin of cells
- A2.1.4—Evidence for origin of carbon compounds
- A2.1.5—Spontaneous formation of vesicles
- A2.1.6—RNA as presumed first genetic material
- A2.1.7—Evidence for last universal common ancestor (LUCA)
- A2.1.8—Dating first cells and LUCA
- A2.1.9—Evolution near hydrothermal vents
Question 11
[Maximum number: 1]
The diagram shows some of the later stages in the origin of eukaryotic cells according to the endosymbiotic theory.
Question 11(b)
(a)
Ancestral eukaryotic cells may have been preceded by protobionts. State one feature of a protobiont.
[ 1 ]
Question D2
Question D2(a)
(a)
Organic compounds must have been present at the origin of life, but these compounds could not have been synthesized by living organisms. State two types of environment where organic compounds might have been synthesized before the first living organisms existed.
[ 2 ]
Question 11
Question 11(a)
(a)
Cells may have evolved from simpler structures called protobionts. State the essential feature of a protobiont.
[ 1 ]
Question D2
Question D2(a)
(a)
Describe processes needed for spontaneous origin of life on Earth.
[ 3 ]
Question D2
Question D2(a)
(a)
State how comets may have affected the early Earth.
[ 1 ]
Question D2(b)
(b)
Outline how organic compounds may have been synthesized deep in the oceans.
[ 2 ]
Question D2
[Maximum number: 4]
D2. The spontaneous origin of life on Earth is thought to have involved the non-living synthesis of simple organic molecules.
Question D2(a)
(a)
List two other processes needed for the spontaneous origin of life.
[ 2 ]
Question D2(b)
(b)
Discuss possible locations where conditions would have allowed the synthesis of organic compounds.
[ 2 ]
Question 11
Question 11(a)
Question 11(a)(i)
(a)
(i)
State two possible locations where the synthesis of organic compounds on prebiotic Earth could have originated.
1.
2.
[ 2 ]
Question 11(a)(ii)
(ii)
State one property of RNA that would have allowed it to play a role in the origin of life.
[ 1 ]
Question 11
Question 11(a)
(a)
Outline two processes needed for the spontaneous origin of life on Earth.
[ 2 ]
Question 11(b)
(b)
State two properties of RNA that would have allowed it to play a role in the origin of life.
1.
2.
[ 2 ]
Question 11
Question 11(d)
(a)
Identify two properties of RNA which may have contributed to the origin of life.
1.
2.
[ 2 ]