Question

in which of the following ways is the function of the surface of a microsphere similar to the function of an actual cell membrane?
o a both make it possible for the conditions in the interior to be different from the conditions outside
o b both provide a barrier that keeps water from flowing across it so the interior remains dry
o c both separate the rna that forms in the interior from any rna that might form in the environment.
o d both can actively move molecules into the interior or out into the surrounding environment.
question 23 (4 points)
(01.03 mc)
which of the following would most likely be key to gathering evidence that the rna world hypothesis is valid?
o a creation of suitable environments for long - term study of single - celled organisms
o b simulation of early earth conditions and long - term study of the resulting molecules
o c development of a system for studying the microspheres ability to absorb additional molecules
o d categorization of the different specific conditions that result in the development of microspheres

Explanation:

• First question:
• Cell membranes are semi - permeable. They allow certain substances to pass through while restricting others, creating an internal environment different from the external one. Microspheres also have a boundary (surface) that can create a distinct internal environment.
• Option b is incorrect because cell membranes do allow water to pass through (osmosis).
• Option c is too specific (only about RNA separation) and not the most general and accurate similarity.
• Option d is incorrect as microspheres do not have the complex machinery for active transport like cells.
• Second question:
• The “RNA World” hypothesis suggests that RNA was the first genetic material and had catalytic functions in early Earth conditions.
• To gather evidence for this, we need to simulate early Earth conditions (which had no complex cells initially) and study the resulting molecules (to see if RNA - like molecules with appropriate properties form).
• Option a is about single - celled organisms, but the “RNA World” is pre - cellular.
• Option c is about microspheres (which are non - living structures related to cell - like structures but not directly RNA - focused for the “RNA World” hypothesis).
• Option d is about microspheres again and not directly related to RNA in the context of the “RNA World” hypothesis.

Answer:

First question: A. Both make it possible for the conditions in the interior to be different from the conditions outside
Second question: B. Simulation of early Earth conditions and long - term study of the resulting molecules