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
A defining feature of living organisms is their ability to respond to stimuli. Which of these is an example of a plant responding to a stimulus?
A rock rolling down a hill
Water evaporating from a puddle
Phototropism in a sunflower
Salt dissolving in water
