Question

Which of the following environments is thought to have promoted the dehydration synthesis of polypeptides and other macromolecules from smaller organic monomers on a prebiotic Earth?

A. sediments at the bottom of the world's oceans
B. hot sand, clay, or rock along the seashore
C. deep-sea hydrothermal vents
D. freshwater swamps and marshes

Answer 1

Deep-sea hydrothermal vents, as well as tidal pools and sediments in primordial oceans, are believed to have promoted the dehydration synthesis of macromolecules on a prebiotic Earth.The correct option is C.

Step-by-step explanation:

The environment that is thought to have promoted the dehydration synthesis of polypeptides and other macromolecules from smaller organic monomers on a prebiotic Earth is deep-sea hydrothermal vents (option C).

These vents spew reducing molecules and minerals that could have provided catalytic surfaces for organic molecule synthesis.

Additionally, the concentration of putative organic monomers at the bottom of tidal pools (option A) and the presence of metals in sediments of primordial oceans (option D) could also have contributed to the polymerization process.The correct option is C.