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darrey Last Universal Common Ancestor
Deep in the ocean we share an ancient spark (oh yeah!) / We keep the genes of LUCA beating in the dark (that's right!)
darrey Early life relied on geothermal energy and simple chemical reactions rather than sunlight.
Fun Fact
LUCA's age: Scientists estimate LUCA lived 3.8 to 4.2 billion years ago, meaning we share genes with an organism older than our continents.
darrey Every living thing uses the exact same genetic language to build proteins and survive.
Glossary
luca (noun)
The hypothetical single-celled organism from which all life on Earth is descended. A 2016 study identified 355 core genes tracing back to this ancestral cell at primordial deep-sea vents.
The hypothetical single-celled organism from which all life on Earth is descended. A 2016 study identified 355 core genes tracing back to this ancestral cell at primordial deep-sea vents.
Quiz
In which extreme environment did LUCA most likely live and thrive?
Gossip
If you could visit LUCA's hydrothermal vent, would you go?
BETA
darrey Match core genes from LUCA to humans to discover the ancient biology we still share.
Quiz
Which metal-based clusters did LUCA use to spark its earliest chemical reactions?
Quiz
In 2016, genomic researchers identified how many specific genes that likely belonged to LUCA?
Quiz
What does the scientific acronym LUCA stand for in evolutionary biology?
Quiz
What is the primary function of the highly conserved ribosomal RNA genes found in all life?
Quiz
Approximately how many billions of years ago did the ancestor known as LUCA live?
Quiz
Which molecule serves as the universal energy currency for both LUCA and modern humans?
Quiz
Why didn't LUCA require oxygen to survive in Earth's early oceans?