In a 2022 study, Nicolás M. Morato and colleagues attempted to resolve a long-standing paradox: although water is critical to most reactions that enable life, during the earliest stages of Earth's history—when most of the planet's surface was covered by oceans—the presence of water likely ______ the formation of proteins and other biomolecules that are found in all living organisms.
Which choice completes the text with the most logical word or phrase?
A. exploited
B. imitated
C. hampered
D. reflected
Answer (2)
The most logical word to complete the text is "hampered," indicating that water likely hindered the formation of crucial biomolecules during early Earth's history. This reflects the dual role of water in both promoting and impeding life processes. The study suggests that while water is fundamental to life, its presence in the early oceans complicated the emergence of life-sustaining molecules.
;
The most logical word to complete the text is 'hampered'. The sentence highlights a contradiction: water is essential for life's biochemical reactions, yet its abundance early in Earth's history may have impeded the formation of complex molecules needed to create life.
Contextual Clue : The sentence discusses how water, despite being crucial for life, might have had a negative impact due to its abundance. So, the proper completion should match the idea of a hindrance or obstacle.
Choice Analysis :
'Exploited' suggests taking advantage of something. While water is essential for life, the sentence implies a drawback rather than a benefit.
'Imitated' means to copy, which does not fit the context of how water affects biochemical reactions.
'Hampered' means to hinder or obstruct, aligning with the suggested paradox in the sentence.
'Reflected' implies mirroring or showing an image, which doesn't fit the logical sense of the text's implication about water's role.
Scientific Background :
In the early Earth environment, vast oceans and bodies of water likely diluted and broke down biomolecules faster than they could form. Scientists suggest this dilution effect could have slowed the assembly of amino acids into proteins and other vital molecules, complicating life's origins.
By choosing 'hampered', it recognizes the paradox of water's dual role: essential for life processes but potentially inhibitive in the molecular assembly steps that predate life. This understanding is part of ongoing scientific exploration of how life emerged on Earth.
