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D) prokaryotic 41) Scientists believe that life originated on earth in three dis

ID: 270012 • Letter: D

Question

D) prokaryotic 41) Scientists believe that life originated on earth in three distinct phases Choose the sequence that most accurately describes the correct sequence of these three phases: D molecules developed a membrane, forming the first cells I1) small carbon-containing molecules must have spontaneously formed Ill) small oxygen-containing molecules must have spontaneously formed IV) DNA-directed, information-containing molecules formed V) self-replicating, information-containing molecules formed VI) organelles developed a membrane, forming the first cells

Explanation / Answer

The formation of a living cell from organic molecules has taken a long way. The formation of life from nonlife has greatest gap in the scientific theories of earth’s history. After the cooling of earth, some 200 to 300 billion years ago, the water cells similar to modern bacteria were formed from condensation of organic molecules into proteinoid microspheres under certain conditions.

These are not cells but have some characteristics of living systems. During the course of evolution first, simple RNA molecules might have formed which later had the characteristics of self replication, processing of other messenger RNA after transcription, helping in the replication of DNA, catalyzing the chemical reactions and might have led to formation of systems consisting of DNA directed protein synthesis.

The micro fossils discovered in the rocks more than 3.5 billion years old were the single celled prokaryotic organisms resembling the modern bacteria. Therefore, the sequence of events in formation of life include small carbon containing molecules must have spontaneously formed, self replicating, information containing molecules formed and finally, molecules developed a membrane forming first cells. Option D is correct.