Scientists have generated protocells under lab conditions using different combinations of fatty acids.They have found that branched but not straight-chain fatty acids allow nucleotides to pass into protocells from the surrounding environment.Why is this an important finding in the study of the evolution of life?
A) It signifies that both branched and straight-chain fatty acids must have existed on primordial Earth.
B) It shows that primitive cells developed with different membrane compositions.
C) It indicates that even very simple cell structures could take up molecules from the environment to fuel internal reactions.
D) It demonstrates that RNA molecules were likely the first biomolecules to catalyze chemical reactions.
E) It provides support for the idea that long-chain molecules could act as templates for transmitting biological information.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The finding that branched fatty acids allow nucleotides to pass into protocells from the environment suggests that even primitive cells could take up molecules from the environment to support their internal reactions. This is important in understanding how early life forms survived and evolved in an environment that lacked complex organic compounds.

Answer: B
 The discovery that different types of fatty acids can form protocells with different membrane compositions suggests that primitive cells may have developed with diverse membrane structures, which could have contributed to the evolution and diversification of early life forms.

Scientists Have Generated Protocells Under Lab Conditions Using Different Combinations