LUCA

Definition

LUCA stands for Last Universal Common Ancestor, the most recent population of organisms from which all organisms now living on Earth have a common descent. LUCA is not a specific organism but rather a concept used to trace the evolutionary history of life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. LUCA existed around 3.5 to 3.8 billion years ago.
2. It is believed that LUCA was a prokaryotic organism.
3. LUCA likely had a simple cell structure without a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles.
4. Genetic evidence suggests LUCA had DNA, RNA, and proteins as part of its molecular machinery.
5. LUCA's metabolism might have been similar to modern deeply branching bacteria found in extreme environments.

Review Questions

Related terms

Prokaryote: A unicellular organism lacking a nucleus and membrane-bound organelles.

Phylogeny:

The study of the evolutionary history and relationships among individuals or groups of organisms.

Extremophiles:

Organisms that thrive in extreme environmental conditions where most other forms of life cannot survive.