Chapter 1 Review

The first chapter begins with an explanation of when the chemical precursors for life may have begun to form. It then explains the proteins are the molecules that perform essential life functions, and elaborates on how the order of amino acids determines a proteins function. After the prince inquires as to how the cell know which amino acids to connect to create a protein, the scientist explains that DNA is the key; enzymes read DNA to produce RNA, which is then decoded by a ribosome to produce the amino acids in the proper order. Afterwards, Miller and Urey's experiment of early earth conditions and the generation of amino acids and nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA/RNA) is shown. Next, the evolution from ribozymes to archae, eukaryotes, and bacteria is explained, and the initial dominance and eventual decline of bacteria is mentioned. Finally,  the evolution of eukaryotes into multi-cellular organisms, and the formation of fungi, plants, and animals is shown. Having a visual representation really helps me realize just how far evolution has come; this is much more entertaining than reading from a textbook.