Biology: Life on Earth
Biology: Life on Earth
10th Edition
ISBN: 9780321729712
Author: Gerald Audesirk, Teresa Audesirk, Bruce E. Byers
Publisher: Benjamin Cummings
bartleby

Concept explainers

bartleby

Videos

Textbook Question
Book Icon
Chapter 17, Problem 1FTB

Because there was no oxygen in the earliest atmosphere, the first cells must have derived energy by __________ metabolism of organic molecules. Oxygen was introduced into the atmosphere when some microbes developed the ability to __________ and released oxygen as a by-product. Oxygen was _________ to many of the earliest cells, but some cells evolved the ability to use oxygen in respiration, which provided far more.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark
Summary Introduction

To review:

The given blank space in the statement, “because there was no oxygen in the earliest atmosphere, the first cells must have derived energy by _______________ metabolism of organic molecules. Oxygen was introduced into the atmosphere when some microbes developed the ability to ___________ and released oxygen as a byproduct. Oxygen was ___________ to many of the earliest cells, but some cells evolved the ability to use oxygen in ___________ respiration, which provided far more _______________.”

Introduction:

Oxygen is one of the most abundant elements on the earth. It is a major constituent of all the living organisms. The first cells found on the earth were prokaryotes, for example, cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). Its genetic material does not contain a nucleus. The origin of oxygen came into existence due to the evolution of prokaryotes.

Explanation of Solution

The evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis during the archean eon was one of the most important events in the history of life on Earth. The release of molecular oxygen by oxygenic Cyanobacteria had major consequence for the geochemistry of Earth’s surface as it involves the redox state changes which modified the bioavailability of redox sensitive metals such as iron, molybdenum, and copper. The first cells obtained energy by absorbing organic molecules from the environment because there was no oxygen present in the environment. The prokaryotes metabolized the organic molecules anaerobically.

When these microbes developed the ability to synthesize food in the presence of sunlight, it led to the release of oxygen as a byproduct and the use of carbon dioxide and water. This process is known as photosynthesis. Oxygen is also necessary for many cells because they perform aerobic respiration. In this process, more and efficient energy is obtained.

Conclusion

Because there was no oxygen in the earliest atmosphere, the first cells must have derived energy by anaerobic metabolism of organic molecules. Oxygen was introduced into the atmosphere when some microbes developed the ability to photosynthesis and released oxygen as a byproduct. Oxygen was harmful to many of the earliest cells, but some cells evolved the ability to use oxygen in aerobic respiration, which provided far more energy.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
a. What percentage of a drug is eliminated after 4 half-lives? Please round to the nearest percent.  b. What will happen to elimination of the drug in the previous question if the system is saturated? explain and show any math involved
If you wanted to reduce the difference between peak and trough levels that occur with repeated administration of a drug, how would you adjust the dose and dose interval without changing the plateau concentration (plateau is the average of peak and trough levels)? Select your answers for both dose and interval. Hint: It may be helpful to think about this problem using an example such as food. How would you eat if you wanted to maintain very steady hunger/satiety levels without changing your total caloric intake? Options: A. Dose; Increase dose     B. Dose; Decrease dose     C. Dose; Do not change dose     D. Interval; Increase the interval between doses (give the drug less frequently)    E. Interval; Decrease the interval between doses (give the drug more frequently)     F. Interval; Do not change the interval
What percentage of a drug is eliminated after 4 half-lives? Please round to the nearest percent. Show the math
Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
BIOLOGY:CONCEPTS+APPL.(LOOSELEAF)
Biology
ISBN:9781305967359
Author:STARR
Publisher:CENGAGE L
Text book image
Concepts of Biology
Biology
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:OpenStax College
Text book image
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305112100
Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Aquaculture Science
Biology
ISBN:9781133558347
Author:Parker
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305389892
Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Biology Today and Tomorrow without Physiology (Mi...
Biology
ISBN:9781305117396
Author:Cecie Starr, Christine Evers, Lisa Starr
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Endosymbiotic Theory; Author: Amoeba Sisters;https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGnS-Xk0ZqU;License: Standard Youtube License