The Earliest Cells

Front

What was the composition of the early atmosphere?

Back

The early atmosphere had very little oxygen.

Front

What is the plasma membrane?

Back

The plasma membrane is a phospholipid bilayer that surrounds the cell.

Front

What is cytoplasm?

Back

Cytoplasm is the jelly-like substance within a cell that contains organelles and is the site of many cellular processes.

Front

What significant event occurred around 2.2 billion years ago in relation to bacteria?

Back

Bacteria started producing oxygen by photosynthesis.

Front

What are the three domains of life?

Back

The three domains of life are Archaea, Bacteria, and Eukarya.

Front

What is the function of ribosomes?

Back

Ribosomes are organelles made of protein and RNA that direct protein synthesis.

Front

What is the role of photosynthesis in early cells?

Back

Photosynthesis allowed early cells, particularly bacteria, to produce oxygen, which changed the composition of the atmosphere.

Front

What distinguishes prokaryotic cells from eukaryotic cells?

Back

Prokaryotic cells lack a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells have both.

Front

What is the significance of the phospholipid bilayer?

Back

The phospholipid bilayer is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the cell and regulating the movement of substances in and out.

Front

What are organelles?

Back

Organelles are specialized structures within a cell that perform distinct processes.