Which one of the following is incorrect about the characteristics of protobionts (coacervates and microspheres) as envisaged in the abiogenic origin of life?
- They could separate combinations of molecules from the surroundings
- They were able to reproduce
- They were partially isolated from the surroundings
- They could maintain an internal environment
Answer
(2) They were able to reproduce
Solution
Protobionts (coacervates of Oparin and microspheres of Fox) were aggregates of abiotically formed organic molecules surrounded by a membrane-like boundary.
⇒ They were partially isolated from the surroundings, could separate combinations of molecules from the surroundings and could maintain an internal environment.
∵ They lacked genetic material, they could not reproduce true copies of themselves.
∴ "They were able to reproduce" is incorrect.
Answer: (2)