Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in the origin of life ? I. Formation of protobionts II. Synthesis of organic monomers III. Synthesis of organic polymers IV. Formation of DNA-based genetic systems
- II, III, I, IV
- II, III, IV, I
- I, II, III, IV
- I, III, II, IV
Answer
(1) II, III, I, IV
Solution
As per the Oparin–Haldane theory, the first form of life arose by chemical evolution from inorganic constituents:
⇒ synthesis of simple organic monomers (amino acids, sugars, bases) (II)
⇒ synthesis of organic polymers (proteins, nucleic acids) (III)
⇒ formation of protobionts / coacervates, the precursors of cells (I)
⇒ formation of the genetic system; the earliest system was RNA-based and DNA-based genetic systems evolved later (IV)
∴ Sequence: II, III, I, IV
Answer: (1)