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Fundamental Biology and Evolution Insights
Aug 21, 2024
Biology Essentials - Lecture 5: Essential Characteristics and Conservation
Introduction to Life
Tree of Life
: A representation of the evolutionary relationships among various biological species or entities.
Key Groups
:
ARA (Archaea)
UKaria (Eukarya)
Bacteria
Key Insight
: Humans are more closely related to ARA than to bacteria.
Commonality in Life
: All life shares certain characteristics, e.g., DNA.
Key Concepts Discussed
1. Genetic Code
DNA
:
Universal genetic material.
Found in all life forms.
Example: Genes from jellyfish causing bacteria to glow.
Interchangeability: DNA can be transferred among different organisms.
Suggests a common ancestor for all life.
2. Central Dogma
Overview
:
DNA → RNA → Proteins → You
Process includes DNA replication, transcription, and protein synthesis.
Francis Crick
: Key figure in understanding DNA's function.
Universality
:
Applies to all life forms, including bacteria, despite different ribosomes.
3. Metabolic Pathways
Metabolism
:
Conversion of energy within organisms.
Cellular respiration: Organic material + Oxygen → CO2 + Water.
Energy Coinage
:
ATP production through pathways like glycolysis, Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
Fundamental pathways are shared across all life.
Eukaryotic Characteristics
Domains
: Bacteria, Archaea, Eukarya.
Eukaryotic Cells
:
Have nuclei.
Division of labor inside cells.
Ways Eukaryotic Cells Evolved
1. Endomembrane System
Internal Folding
:
Increases surface area, enabling complex functions.
Includes structures like Golgi apparatus, endoplasmic reticulum.
Molecular Evidence
:
Proteins show inverse placement inside and outside of cells.
2. Organelles
Mitochondria & Chloroplasts
:
Result from endosymbiosis.
Resemble bacteria (own DNA, reproduce by binary fission).
Chloroplasts: Important for photosynthesis.
Conclusion
Evolutionary Solutions
:
Once a solution is found, it is conserved and passed through the tree of life.
The fundamental characteristics decided billions of years ago are still conserved.
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