The Question is from neet-botany , and it was created by the author K SURESH KUMAR

Question

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?

K SURESH KUMAR · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: Characteristics of Life
 **Related Topics**:  Abiogenesis, Self-Assembly, Biological Organization
 **Prerequisites**: Understanding the key characteristics typically used to define life (metabolism, reproduction, adaptation, growth, response to stimuli, homeostasis, organization).
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  - Complex organic molecules self-assemble into membrane-bound structures.
  - Structures exhibit rudimentary metabolism.
  - No reproduction or heritability.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze the characteristics of life presented in the options and compare them to the observed structures.
  Reasoning:  All the options (metabolism, cellular organization, reproduction and growth, adaptation) are characteristics associated with life.  However,  the question asks for the *most significant* barrier.
 2. Evaluate the significance of each characteristic in the context of the observed structures.
  Working: 
            * **Metabolism:** The structures show rudimentary metabolism, so this isn't the primary barrier.
            * **Cellular organization:** The structures are membrane-bound, fulfilling this criterion.
            * **Reproduction and growth:** The structures lack both reproduction and heritability. This is crucial for the continuation of a lineage and evolution. Without it, the structures are essentially ephemeral.
            * **Adaptation:** Adaptation is a consequence of reproduction and selection.  Without reproduction, adaptation cannot occur.
 3. Determine the most significant barrier.
  Result: The absence of reproduction and heritability is the most significant barrier preventing classification as a living organism.  Without these, the structures cannot evolve or persist beyond their immediate existence.  Metabolism, while important for life, is not sufficient for defining life on its own.
  Verification:  The definition of life emphasizes the ability to replicate and pass on genetic information. The lack of this ability is a fundamental difference between living and non-living systems.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Metabolism is present, so it's not the primary barrier.
B :x: Cellular organization is present.
C ✓: Reproduction and growth (specifically, the lack thereof) is the most significant barrier.  Without reproduction, the structures cannot perpetuate themselves and are effectively a temporary phenomenon.
D :x: Adaptation is dependent on reproduction and selection; the lack of reproduction prevents adaptation.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1. Focusing solely on metabolism:  Metabolism is important, but reproduction and heritability are fundamental to the definition of life.
  2. Overlooking the significance of heritability:  Heritability ensures that advantageous traits are passed on, allowing for evolution and adaptation.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1. Remember the central dogma of molecular biology: DNA → RNA → Protein.  Reproduction requires the transfer of genetic information.
  2. Consider the long-term persistence of a system.  Without reproduction, a system cannot survive beyond its immediate existence.

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

Metabolism

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

Cellular organization

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

The correct Option is "Reproduction and growth"

K SURESH KUMAR · Answer

Adaptation

NEET Botany MCQs

Select Chapter

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

Question Tags

NEET Subjects

Our Bots

Company