Lesson 188 of 1524
Life in the Universe
Life on Earth is based on the presence of a key unit known as an organic molecule, a molecule that contains carbon, especially complex hydrocarbons.
Practice this chapterLife on Earth is based on the presence of a key unit known as an organic molecule, a molecule that contains carbon, especially complex hydrocarbons. Our solar system formed about 5 billion years ago from a cloud of gas and dust enriched by several generations of heavier element production in stars.
The study of life in the universe, including its origin on Earth, is called astrobiology. Life is made up of chemical combinations of these elements made by stars.
astrobiology — the multidisciplinary study of life in the universe: its origin, evolution, distribution, and fate; similar terms are exobiology and bioastronomy. organic molecule — a combination of carbon and other atoms—primarily hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur—some of which serve as the basis for our biochemistry. gene — the basic functional unit that carries the genetic (hereditary) material contained in a cell. stromatolites — solid, layered rock formations that are thought to be the fossils of oxygen-producing photosynthetic bacteria in rocks that are 3.5 billion years old.
Worked example
What does “astrobiology” mean in Life in the Universe?
- 1Use the wording this chapter gives for astrobiology.
- 2The book says: the multidisciplinary study of life in the universe: its origin, evolution, distribution, and fate; similar terms are exobiology and bioastronomy.
- 3Do not use the meaning of organic molecule. That term means a combination of carbon and other atoms—primarily hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur—some of which serve as the basis for our biochemistry.
Result: the multidisciplinary study of life in the universe: its origin, evolution, distribution, and fate; similar terms are exobiology and bioastronomy
Why. That is the meaning this chapter gives for astrobiology.
Do not swap astrobiology and organic molecule. astrobiology means the multidisciplinary study of life in the universe: its origin, evolution, distribution, and fate; similar terms are exobiology and bioastronomy. organic molecule means a combination of carbon and other atoms—primarily hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur—some of which serve as the basis for our biochemistry.
Practice margin
This chapter
A fresh set from this chapter only. Choose 10 or 20. Multiple choice and fill-in, with no repeat inside the set.