WHAT IS LIFE? LAUNCHPAD 12 MO. SUB.
WHAT IS LIFE? LAUNCHPAD 12 MO. SUB.
4th Edition
ISBN: 9781319106348
Author: PHELAN
Publisher: Macmillan Higher Education
Question
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Chapter 12, Problem 1SA
Summary Introduction

To analyze:

Why the development of the membrane system was an important phase in the origin of life.

Introduction:

The membrane system refers to the membrane bound organelles seen in all eukaryotic cells.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1SA

Correct answer:

Option (a): amino acids.

Explanation of Solution

The formation of the first membrane around chemical components lead to the formation of the first cells. This started life on earth. When membrane systems developed around cells, it allowed more complexity to come into life processes.

The different chemical components within cells began to be enclosed within lipid membranes. This created specialized structures called organelles.

The development of the cell membrane allowed the cell to regulate the molecules that could interact with the cell components, allowing access to required chemicals, while inhibiting others that were injurious to the cell and its components.

Specialized functions evolved in the cells, and the cells in turn grew specialized for various functions. This may have been what led to the evolution of multicellular organisms. This development is considered an important phase in the origin of life.

Conclusion

The separation of different chemical components within a cell by membranes lead to the evolution of organelles. This is an important phase in evolution because it led to the increase in complexity of life processes.

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