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Ch. 25 - The History of Life on Earth
Campbell - Campbell Biology 12th Edition
Urry12th EditionCampbell BiologyISBN: 9785794169850Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksUrry 12th EditionCh. 25 - The History of Life on EarthProblem 5
Chapter 25, Problem 5

Scientists studying the origin of life have accomplished which of the following steps?(A)abiotic synthesis of protocells with self-replicating, catalytic RNA(B)formation of vesicles that use RNA as a template for DNA synthesis(C)formation of protocells that use DNA to direct the polymer-ization of amino acids(D)abiotic synthesis of RNA's bases (A, C, G, U)

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Identify the key terms in each option: 'abiotic synthesis', 'protocells', 'self-replicating', 'catalytic RNA', 'vesicles', 'RNA as a template for DNA synthesis', 'DNA to direct the polymerization of amino acids', and 'abiotic synthesis of RNA's bases (A, C, G, U)'.
Understand the concept of abiotic synthesis, which refers to the formation of biological compounds without the influence of biological processes.
Recognize the significance of protocells in the origin of life studies, which are simple cell-like structures that exhibit some properties of living cells.
Consider the role of RNA in early life forms, particularly its functions in catalysis and information storage, which are crucial for self-replication.
Evaluate which of the listed accomplishments aligns with current scientific understanding and evidence regarding the origin of life and the early conditions on Earth.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Abiotic Synthesis

Abiotic synthesis refers to the formation of organic compounds from inorganic precursors without the involvement of living organisms. This process is crucial in theories about the origin of life, as it suggests how simple molecules could combine to form more complex structures, such as amino acids and nucleotides, which are the building blocks of proteins and nucleic acids.
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Biotic and Abiotic Factors

Protocells

Protocells are simple, cell-like structures that are hypothesized to be precursors to true cells. They can form spontaneously from lipid molecules and may encapsulate RNA or other organic molecules, allowing for basic metabolic processes and replication. Understanding protocells is essential for exploring how life might have originated from non-living matter.
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Origin of Life Example 1

RNA World Hypothesis

The RNA World Hypothesis posits that early life forms may have relied on RNA for both genetic information storage and catalysis, before the evolution of DNA and proteins. This concept is significant because it suggests that self-replicating RNA molecules could have played a critical role in the origin of life, leading to the development of more complex biological systems.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Which factor most likely caused animals and plants in India to differ greatly from species in nearby Southeast Asia?

a. The species became separated by convergent evolution.

b. The climates of the two regions are similar.

c. India is in the process of separating from the rest of Asia.

d. India was a separate continent until 45 million years ago.

Textbook Question
Large-scale, worldwide adaptive radiations have occurred in which of the following situations?(A)when there are no available ecological niches(B)after each of the big five mass extinctions(C)after colonization of an isolated island that contains suit-able habitat and few competitor species(D)whenever an evolutionary innovation was needed for or-ganisms to thrive
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Textbook Question

Large-scale, worldwide adaptive radiations have occurred in which of the following situations?

a. When there are no available ecological niches

b. After each of the big five mass extinctions

c. Aafter colonization of an isolated island that contains suitable habitat and few competitor species

d. Whenever an evolutionary innovation was needed for organisms to thrive

Textbook Question

Scientists studying the origin of life have accomplished which of the following steps?

a. Abiotic synthesis of protocells with self-replicating, catalytic RNA

b. Formation of vesicles that use RNA as a template for DNA synthesis

c. Formation of protocells that use DNA to direct the polymerization of amino acids

d. Abiotic synthesis of RNA’s bases (A, C, G, U)

Textbook Question

A genetic change that caused a certain Hox gene to be expressed along the tip of a vertebrate limb bud instead of farther back helped make possible the evolution of the tetrapod limb. This type of change is illustrative of

a. The influence of environment on development.

b. Paedomorphosis.

c. A change in a developmental gene or in its regulation that altered the spatial organization of body parts.

d. Heterochrony.

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