Which of the following elements may have been the ancestors of cellular life?
A) circular RNA
B) prokaryotic cells
C) pseudocells
D) lipid globules
E) protocells

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Protocells are considered to be the most likely ancestors of cellular life, as they are self-organized structures that can carry out some basic life functions, such as membrane-bound compartmentalization and metabolic reactions. The other options listed either do not possess the necessary characteristics (circular RNA, lipid globules) or are not considered to be living entities (pseudocells, which are artificial constructs). Prokaryotic cells are already fully functioning, self-replicating cells and are not thought to have arisen from a single protocell.

Which of the Following Elements May Have Been the Ancestors