Refer to the figure below showing a simplified time line of the origin of life. Which event could have occurred between the existence of the "RNA world" and the evolution of the first cells?
A) The production of oxygen by cyanobacteria
B) The rise of lipid bilayer membranes
C) The prebiotic synthesis of ribonucleotides
D) Photosynthesis
E) Complementary base pairing between nitrogenous bases

Question

Refer to the figure below showing a simplified time line of the origin of life.  Which event could have occurred between the existence of the "RNA world" and the evolution of the first cells?
A) The production of oxygen by cyanobacteria 
B) The rise of lipid bilayer membranes 
C) The prebiotic synthesis of ribonucleotides 
D) Photosynthesis 
E) Complementary base pairing between nitrogenous bases

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The rise of lipid bilayer membranes is a necessary step for the evolution of cells, as it allows for the formation of a compartmentalized system that can maintain a different environment from the surroundings. This step is believed to have come after the "RNA world" but before the evolution of the first cells. Choices A, C, D, and E all occurred either before or during the "RNA world" stage.

Refer to the Figure Below Showing a Simplified Time Line