Replicators A, B, C, and D become encapsulated by a membrane of fatty acids they produced. Building the membrane resulted in a great metabolic cost. The new membrane provides limited control over the new microenvironment, is fairly permeable, and frequently allows unneeded substances in while allowing newly made molecules to dissipate into the environment. Given this information, is it likely this new encapsulation will be favored by natural selection?
A) Yes, encapsulation always confers an advantage.
B) Yes, the metabolic costs outweigh the benefits of microenvironment control.
C) No, encapsulation is beneficial but does not affect how natural selection operates.
D) No, encapsulation had a high metabolic cost and the membrane provides little benefit for encapsulation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The passage clearly states that building the membrane had a great metabolic cost and the membrane provides limited control over the microenvironment. Additionally, it allows unneeded substances in while allowing newly made molecules to dissipate into the environment. These factors suggest that the new encapsulation will not be favored by natural selection.

Replicators A, B, C, and D Become Encapsulated by a Membrane