Asked by Justice McGuire on Jul 09, 2024
Verified
The protein-first hypothesis
A) is supported by the discovery that RNA can act as a catalyst.
B) is supported by the fact that RNA can act as a substrate and as an enzyme.
C) suggests it was an "RNA world" about 4 billion years ago.
D) suggests that only RNA was needed to progress to the formation of the first cells.
E) suggests that sophisticated enzymes with the ability to synthesize DNA and RNA arose first from small molecules provided by the ocean.
Protein-First Hypothesis
In chemical evolution, the proposal that protein originated before other macromolecules and made possible the formation of protocells.
RNA World
A hypothetical early stage in the evolution of life, where RNA served as both genetic information and as a catalyst for chemical reactions.
Enzymes
Biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms without being consumed in the process.
- Detail the evolutionary process and the multiplicity of microorganisms, with a focus on viruses and bacteria.
Verified Answer
CY
Courtney YatesJul 12, 2024
Final Answer :
E
Explanation :
The protein-first hypothesis posits that early proteins (or polypeptides) were the first molecules to give rise to life, suggesting that sophisticated enzymes capable of synthesizing nucleic acids like DNA and RNA evolved from simpler molecules available in the prebiotic world, such as those found in the ocean. This contrasts with the RNA world hypothesis, which proposes RNA as the first self-replicating molecule.
Learning Objectives
- Detail the evolutionary process and the multiplicity of microorganisms, with a focus on viruses and bacteria.