The Enclosure of Biologically Relevant Molecules Within a Membrane-Bound Protocell

question 100

Multiple Choice

The enclosure of biologically relevant molecules within a membrane-bound protocell could have facilitated the evolution of metabolism and self-replication, which are hallmark properties of living cells.However, enclosure by a membrane would also create a challenge to the emerging cells, in that they would need some method to evolve that allowed nutrients and building-block molecules to pass from the environment into the protocell interior.Otherwise, the protocells would be doomed to die without this influx of matter.To explore this idea more, how could a scientist best design an experiment to investigate the possibility of such a property of protocells?

• A) Allow fatty acids to self-assemble into protocells within solutions containing a mix of small molecules, then rinse the protocells and place them in pure water to observe whether they can carry out metabolic reactions.
• B) Synthesize various protocells using different fatty acids, and compare their abilities to take up various different small molecules from the environment.
• C) Place different molecules in the liquid medium surrounding living cells, and compare their rates of movement into the interiors of the cells.
• D) Remove the internal structures of living cells, leaving only water and inorganic salts, and then place them into a broth of nutrient molecules and test their ability to develop metabolism.
• E) Conduct a search for microfossils in which the movement of small molecules across primitive membranes is clearly observable in the specimens.

Analyze sales mix and its effects on the company's overall performance.

Determine the break-even point in units and dollars, and understand its significance for business planning.

Calculate and interpret contribution margin and contribution margin ratio.

Apply the high-low method to estimate variable and fixed costs.

---

Definitions:

Contributory Negligence

A defense in personal injury lawsuits where the plaintiff's own negligence played a role in causing their injuries, potentially reducing or eliminating their compensation.

Complete Defense

A legal defense that, if proven, absolves the defendant of all liability in a lawsuit.

Comparative Negligence

A theory in tort law under which the liability for injuries resulting from negligent acts is shared by all persons who were guilty of negligence, including the injured party, on the basis of each person’s proportionate carelessness.

"50 Percent" Rule

A principle in insurance, especially in regards to total loss claims, stipulating that if the cost of repairing an item exceeds 50% of its value, it is considered a total loss.