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
Consciousness is regarded as a defining property of living organisms. Which example best demonstrates consciousness in animals?
A river flowing downstream
Clouds forming in the sky
A dog responding to its owner's call
Crystals forming in a saturated solution
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
All living organisms maintain a constant internal environment despite external changes. This process is known as:
Metabolism
Adaptation
Homeostasis
Reproduction
An example of metabolism is:
Movement
Growth
Respiration
Reproduction
Growth in living organisms is due to:
Increase in cell number and size
Accumulation of water
Synthesis of new protoplasm
Increase in non-living matter
Which process is essential for the continuity of life?
Nutrition
Respiration
Reproduction
Excretion
The basic unit of life is:
Atom
Molecule
Cell
Tissue
All living organisms show:
Consciousness
Locomotion
Response to stimuli
Photosynthesis
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