MASTERING BIOLOGY F/CAMPBELL MCC >I<
MASTERING BIOLOGY F/CAMPBELL MCC >I<
1st Edition
ISBN: 9781323915691
Author: Pearson
Publisher: PEARSON
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Chapter 24, Problem 1TYU

Which of the following steps has not yet been accomplished by scientists studying the origin of life?

  1. A.    synthesis of small RNA polymers by ribozymes
  2. B.     abiotic synthesis of polypeptides
  3. C.     formation of molecular aggregates with selectively permeable membranes
  4. D.    formation of protocells that use DNA to direct the polymerization of amino acids
Expert Solution & Answer
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Summary Introduction

Introduction:

In studying the evolution of life, scientists have accomplished a lot. For example: From creating the early earth atmosphere in “The Stanley Miller experiment” for reconstructing the “Structure of early human ancestors”.

Answer to Problem 1TYU

Correct answer:

Science today has advanced a lot. Polypeptides, selectively permeable membranes RNA from ribozymes have been synthesized in-vitro. Therefore, option (D) is correct.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct statement:

A protocell or a protobiont was the first cell and the precursor of prokaryotes. It is made from inorganic components and bound by a lipid membrane. Scientists have not yet been able to synthesize a protocell that uses DNA for protein synthesis in the lab.

Option (D) is given as “formation of protocells that that use DNA to direct the polymerization of amino acids”.

“The formation of protocells that that use DNA to direct the polymerization of amino acids has not yet been accomplished by scientists studying the origin of life”, it is the right answer.

Hence, the option (D) is correct.

Reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option (A) is given as “synthesis of small RNA polymers by ribozymes”.

This has been accomplished by the scientists. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option (B) is given as “abiotic synthesis of polypeptides”.

The abiotic synthesis of polypeptides has been done in-vitro by the scientists. So, it is a wrong answer.

Option (C) is given as “formation of molecular aggregates with selectively permeable membrane”.

This formation of molecular aggregates with selectively permeable membrane too has been accomplished. So, it is a wrong answer.

Hence, options (A), (B) and (C) are incorrect.

Conclusion

In the study of origin of life, scientists have accomplished a lot but the artificial synthesis of a protocell that uses DNA for polymerization of amino acids is yet to be accomplished.

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Students have asked these similar questions
Which of these steps probably occurred first in the chemical andbiological evolution of life?a. The cell membrane of a protobiont formed.b. The first organic molecules formed.c. The original genetic material was RNA.d. Simple organic monomers formed from inorganic materials.
Which result from the Miller and Urey experiment provides evidence that the molecules of life could have spontaneously been produced in the ancient Earth environment? a After their experiment, they produced DNA from amino acids. b They showed how DNA can be produced from simple molecules that included water, oxygen, carbohydrates, and lipids. c Their experiment produced amino acids—the building blocks of life—from chemicals that existed in the environment of ancient Earth. d Miller and Urey's experiment provided evidence that showed that although oxygen was lacking in the environment of ancient Earth, it could be readily made from the decomposition of rocks and minerals.
what simple organic molecules were likely the precursors of life? a. water and proteins b. amino acids and nucleotides c. oxygen and carbon d. prokaryotes and eukaryotes
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