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
Related Questions
Which of the following set of organisms reproduce by fragmentation (asexual mode of reproduction)?
Amoeba, fungi and earthworm
Fungi, filamentous algae and protonema of mosses
Hydra, fungi, Amoeba and bacteria
Earthworm, bacteria and fungi
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.
Which of the Following organism do not reproduce?
Mules
Sterile worker bees
Sterile human couple
All of the above
Reproduction is synonymous with growth in which of the following set of organisms?
Bacteria, unicellular algae and Amoeba
Bacteria, Amoeba and fungi
Unicellular algae and fungi
Unicellular algae and filamentous algae
Reproduction is synonymous with growth in which of the following set of organisms?
Bacteria, unicellular algae and Amoeba
Bacteria, Amoeba and fungi
Unicellular algae and fungi
Unicellular algae and filamentous algae
Among the following choose the properties shown by the living organism exclusively?
I. growth
II. increase in mass
III. self-replication ability
IV. response to touch stimuli
I and II
II and IV
I and III
III and IV
Read the following statements:
A. Photoperiod affects reproduction in seasonal breeders, both plants and animals
B. Increase in body mass is considered as reproduction
C. Metabolism is a defining feature of all living organism without exception
D. Self consciousness is a defining property of every living organism
Choose the correct statements
A and B
B and C
A and C
C and D
Viruses exhibit characteristics of both living and non-living entities. Which of the following properties of viruses MOST strongly supports the argument AGAINST their classification as living organisms?
Presence of genetic material (DNA or RNA)
Ability to evolve and adapt to their environment
Inability to reproduce independently outside a host cell
Specific interaction with host cells
What is illustrated by the statement ‘Nothing lives forever, yet life continues’?
Metabolism
Embryogenesis
Reproduction
Replication
In majority of higher animals and plants reproduction and growth are
Mutually exclusive events
Simultaneous events
Dependent events
Identical events
