Question

The first polymers were formed through dehydration synthesis. According to the experimental evidence, how did this process work?

A. Very high concentrations of salt are thought to have spurred abiotic dehydration synthesis, forming the first polypeptides and other polymers.
B. Hot rocks, sand, or clay concentrated a dilute solution of organic monomers from seawater, leading to spontaneous abiotic synthesis of polypeptides and other polymers.
C. Extreme heat from volcanic vents on the seafloor caused monomers to spontaneously form complex polymers.
D. Abiotically generated enzymes catalyzed dehydration synthesis of the first polypeptides and nucleic acids.

Answer 1

Experimental evidence supports the theory that hot rocks, sand, or clay concentrated organic monomers from seawater, fostering spontaneous abiotic synthesis of polymers, aligning with option B.

Step-by-step explanation:

This theory suggests that hot rocks, sand, or clay concentrated organic monomers from a dilute solution in seawater. These concentrated monomers underwent spontaneous abiotic synthesis due to the conducive environment provided by these mineral surfaces.

This process facilitated the formation of polypeptides and various polymers. This explanation is supported by experiments where certain minerals acted as catalysts, aiding in the formation of simple organic molecules into more complex compounds. This scenario reflects the conditions prevalent in early Earth, suggesting a plausible mechanism for the initial formation of polymers through dehydration synthesis.