Question

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

Options

• Abiotic synthesis of small RNA polymers.

• Abiotic synthesis of polypeptides.

• Formation of molecular aggregates with selectively permeable membranes.

• Formation of protobionts that use DNA to direct polymerisation of amino acids.

Answer 1

Formation of protobionts that use DNA to direct polymerisation of amino acids.

Explanation:

• Scientists have successfully demonstrated the abiotic synthesis of small RNA polymers and polypeptides in the laboratory.
• They have also observed the formation of molecular aggregates with selectively permeable membranes, such as microspheres, liposomes, and coacervates.
• However, the formation of protobionts that utilize DNA to direct the polymerization of amino acids,essentially protocells with a fully functional genetic system and protein synthesis machinery,has not been achieved yet.