Assertion: Coacervates are believed to be the precursors of life.
Reason: Coacervates were self-duplicating aggregates of proteins surrounded by lipid molecules.
(a) If both Assertion and Reason are correct and the Reason is a correct explanation of the Assertion.
(b) If both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not a correct explanation of the Assertion.
(c) If the Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
(d) If both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
(e) If the Assertion is incorrect but the Reason is correct.
(d) If both the Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
Explanation:
Coacervates are large colloidal aggregates formed due to intermolecular attraction from large organic molecules synthesized abiotically on primitive earth. It mainly consists of proteins, polysaccharides and water. They do not fulfil the requirement for probable precursors of life.
A coacervate is a tiny spherical droplet of assorted organic molecules which is held together by hydrophobic forces from a surrounding liquid. Coacervates possess osmotic properties and form spontaneously from certain dilute organic solutions. They were even once suggested to have played a significant role in the evolution of cells and, therefore, of life itself. They are interesting not only in that they provide a locally segregated environment but also in that their boundaries allow the selective absorption of simple organic molecules from the surrounding medium. Coacervates do not have lipid outer membrane, hence they cannot reproduce.