Encapsulation of a hypercycle would NOT be favored when
A) the costs of a membrane exceed the benefits of the cycle.
B) the membrane provides a defensive mechanism.
C) natural selection favors mutations in component members.
D) RNA components act through molecular mutualism.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Encapsulation of a hypercycle would not be favored when the costs of creating and maintaining a membrane exceed the benefits that the cycle gains from being encapsulated. This is because natural selection tends to favor traits or structures that offer a net benefit to the organism or system. If the energy and resources required to produce a membrane are greater than the advantages it provides, such as increased efficiency or protection, then the evolutionary pressure to develop or maintain such a structure would be reduced.

Encapsulation of a Hypercycle Would NOT Be Favored When