A researcher observes an isolated system containing complex organic molecules undergoing spontaneous self-assembly into membrane-bound structures. These structures exhibit rudimentary metabolism but no reproduction or heritability. Which characteristic of life is the MOST significant barrier preventing these structures from being classified as living organisms?
Metabolism
Cellular organization
Reproduction and growth
Adaptation
Related Questions
In which of the following, metabolic reactions take place?
In living organism only
Both in living and non-living organism
In isolated cell free systems
Both (1) and (3 )
Which of the following processes demonstrates adaptation in living organisms?
A stone weathering over time
Formation of rust on iron
Development of camouflage in a chameleon
Sugar dissolving in water
The living organisms can be unexceptionally distinguished from the non-living things on the basis of their ability for
reproduction
growth and movement
response to stimuli
invitro reactions
Growth in living organism is from
Outside
Inside
Both 1 and 2
None of the above
Prions, infectious protein particles, can induce conformational changes in normal proteins, leading to diseases like Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. While exhibiting self-propagation, prions lack genetic material. Do prions challenge the conventional definition of living organisms, and why?
No, because they are composed of organic molecules.
Yes, because they lack heritable genetic material yet exhibit a form of 'reproduction'.
No, because they interact with living organisms.
Yes, because they cause disease.
Imagine a synthetic life form created in a lab that uses a novel information storage molecule distinct from DNA or RNA, but still exhibits heritability and undergoes evolution. Which of the following aspects of the current definition of life would MOST require reconsideration in light of this discovery?
The requirement for cellular structure
The dependence on carbon-based chemistry
The specific molecular basis of heredity
The ability to respond to environmental stimuli
All living organisms show:
Consciousness
Locomotion
Response to stimuli
Photosynthesis
Read the following features and select the correct option from the options given below with respect living beings I. They reproduce II. They metabolise
III. They have cellular organization IV. They have ability to respond to stimuli
I and III are true
I and II are true
Only III is true
All are true
The living organisms can be unexceptionally distinguished from the non β living things on the basis of their ability for
Reproduction, growth and response to stimuli
Interaction with the environment
Movement and locomotion
Consumption of energy
Select the correct statement from the following statements
I. Increase in mass and increase in number of individuals are twin characteristics of growth
II. Metabolic reactions can also be demonstrated outside the body in isolated cell-free systems
III. βResponse to stimuliβ is a defining property of living organisms
I and II
II and III
I and III
I, II and III