Question

Which of the following steps has not yet been accomplished by scientists studying the origin of life?

• A. Abiotic synthesis of small RNA polymers
• B. Abiotic synthesis of polypeptides
• C. Formation of molecular aggregates with selectively permeable membranes
• D. Formation of protobionts that use DNA to direct polymerisation of amino, acids

Answer 1

The correct option is D Formation of protobionts that use DNA to direct polymerisation of amino, acids

• The most fundamental of all such problems is the expression of hereditary information, which today requires extraordinarily complex machinery and proceeds from DNA to protein through an RNA intermediate.
• RNA stored both genetic information and catalyzed the chemical reactions in primitive cells.
• Only later in evolutionary time did DNA take over as the genetic material and proteins become the major catalyst and structural component of cells.
• RNA still catalyzes several fundamental reactions in modern-day cells, which can be viewed as molecular fossils of an earlier world.
  

So the correct option is 'formation of protobionts that use DNA to direct polymerisation of amino acids'.