Question

How does the hypothesis of microspheres and the RNA World hypothesis build off of each other?

A. Microspheres were important for storing and releasing energy for surrounding organisms that contained RNA.

B. Nonorganic molecules self-replicate within the early microspheres, similar to the way cells divide.

C. Replicating RNA molecules transformed into DNA within the microspheres.

D. When microspheres split, the genetic coding in self-replicating RNA would pass to the newly formed microspheres.

Answer 1

C. Replicating RNA molecules transformed into DNA within the microspheres.

Step-by-step explanation:

RNA world hypothesis suggests that life originated from RNA molecule as the genetic material. The first life on earth was self-replicating RNA which gave rise to DNA and then led to proteins. This is favoured by the knowledge of ribozymes, RNA molecules that act as catalysts.

Proteinoid microspheres are cross-linked, sub microscopic polypeptide molecules. They are formed from peptides spontaneously in warm, dry conditions that resemble those that existed in primordial earth.

Proteins cannot self-replicate and for this reason, they are not considered the early genetic material nor are they considered as living organisms. Microspheres hence served as a platform for the replication of RNA.

Answer 2

D

Step-by-step explanation:

Microspheres are the precursors to cells approximately 4 billion years ago during the primordial Earth. They emerged from inorganic molecules that formed the RNA – the first self-replicating molecule. This hypothesis has been proven because RNA has been shown to catalyse some reactions (by acting as a protein) while also store genetic information. This resulted in the development of the RNA World Hypothesis.