Question

Describe three major scientific inferences about the first living cells on Earth.

Answer 1

The first cells on Earth emerged around 3.5 billion years ago and consisted of an organic molecule inside a lipid membrane. The last universal common ancestor (LUCA) is responsible for all subsequent life forms. Photosynthesis and cellular respiration also played important roles in the evolution of early cells.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first cells on Earth are believed to have originated approximately 3.5 billion years ago. There are three major scientific inferences about the first living cells:

1. The first cells consisted of an organic molecule like RNA inside a lipid membrane. These primitive cells were able to reproduce, marking the emergence of life.
2. The last universal common ancestor (LUCA) was a single cell or group of cells that gave rise to all subsequent life forms on Earth.
3. Photosynthesis evolved by 3 billion years ago, which led to the release of oxygen into the atmosphere. Cellular respiration then evolved to make use of the oxygen.