10.7 Origin of DNA DOL

In the Miller-Urey experiment, simple gases like methane and ammonia were used to simulate early Earth conditions, producing the building blocks of proteins called ________, which are also the building blocks of life.

• amino acids

• nucleotides

• lipids

• carbohydrates

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NGSS.HS-LS1-6

Why are hydrothermal vents considered important in the study of the origin of DNA and early life?

• They provided a source of oxygen, which was necessary for DNA formation.

• The heat and chemical energy at hydrothermal vents may have created conditions favorable for the formation of organic molecules, including RNA and DNA.

• Hydrothermal vents were the first habitats where DNA-based organisms were discovered.

• The vents are where scientists believe DNA was first created through volcanic processes.

The RNA-World Hypothesis provides a possible explanation for the origin of DNA. Which of the following is a strength of this hypothesis?

• RNA can store genetic information and catalyze chemical reactions.

• RNA is more stable than DNA.

• RNA is less abundant in modern cells.

• RNA cannot form complex structures.

Scientists have long theorized about the origins of the DNA molecule. One of the theories is that it originated from a molecule whose building block is the same as the building block of DNA. They think this origin of DNA is from a molecule called _________.

• RNA

• mRNA

• tRNA

Which components bond with Adenine in a section of double-stranded DNA?

• Deoxyribose and Thymine

• Adenine

• Cytosine

• Phosphate

Match the following explanations with their hypothesis/title:

• RNA World Hypothesis

• Demonstrated that organic molecules could form under

  prebiotic conditions.

• Hydrothermal Vent Hypothesis

• RNA was the first genetic material before DNA

  evolved.

• Miller-Urey Experiment

• Life originated in deep-sea vents where heat provided

  energy.

David is studying a scientific debate about the origins of DNA. He reads that one theory, the

Co-Evolution Hypothesis, suggests that both DNA and RNA may have formed around the same

time. This contrasts with other theories that say RNA came first. David wants to understand why

scientists consider both theories when studying the origin of life.

What is the main difference between the RNA-World Hypothesis and the Co-Evolution Hypothesis?

• The RNA-World Hypothesis suggests that RNA and DNA evolved together, while the

  Co-Evolution Hypothesis suggests that DNA evolved first.

• The RNA-World Hypothesis suggests that RNA came first, while the Co-Evolution

  Hypothesis proposes that DNA and RNA evolved simultaneously.

• The RNA-World Hypothesis suggests that DNA came before RNA, while the Co-Evolution

  Hypothesis claims RNA came first.

• Both hypotheses suggest RNA came first, but the Co-Evolution Hypothesis claims RNA

  never turned into DNA.

Maria reads about the discovery of ancient fossilized microorganisms near hydrothermal vents

at the bottom of the ocean. These life forms, believed to have existed billions of years ago, might

provide clues about the origin of life. She wonders how such extreme environments could have

played a role in the formation of early genetic material.

Why are hydrothermal vents considered important in the study of the origin of DNA and early life?

• They provided a source of oxygen, which was necessary for DNA formation.

• The heat and chemical energy at hydrothermal vents may have created conditions favorable

  for the formation of organic molecules, including RNA and DNA.

• Hydrothermal vents were the first habitats where DNA-based organisms were discovered.

• The vents are where scientists believe DNA was first created through volcanic processes.

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NGSS.HS-ESS2-7