Which one of the following is incorrect about the characteristics of protobionts (coacervates and microsopheres) as envisaged in the abiogenic origin of life?

Options

A. They were partially isolated from the surroundings.
B. They could maintain an internal enviorment.
C. They were able to reproduce sexually.
D. They could separate combinations of molecuels from the surroundings.

Explanation

To determine which characteristic of protobionts (coacervates and microspheres) is incorrect in the context of the abiogenic origin of life, we will analyze the provided options step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Protobionts**:
- Protobionts are primitive structures that are considered precursors to living cells. They are aggregates of biomolecules such as proteins and lipids, and they exhibit some characteristics of living cells.

2. **Characteristics of Protobionts**:
- **Partial Isolation**: Protobionts are partially isolated from their surroundings, which means they have a boundary that separates their internal environment from the external environment. This characteristic is correct.
- **Maintaining Internal Environment**: They can maintain an internal environment that is different from the outside, allowing for some regulation of their internal conditions. This characteristic is also correct.
- **Reproduction**: The question states that protobionts could reproduce sexually. This is where we need to focus. Sexual reproduction is a complex process that involves the formation of gametes and fertilization, which is not feasible for these primitive structures. Instead, protobionts would have reproduced asexually through simpler means such as budding or binary fission. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
- **Separation of Molecules**: Protobionts can separate combinations of molecules from their surroundings, which is an essential characteristic for maintaining their internal environment. This statement is correct.

3. **Conclusion**:
- The incorrect characteristic about protobionts is that they were able to reproduce sexually. This is not true as they were primitive structures that could only reproduce asexually.

### Final Answer:
The incorrect characteristic about protobionts is that they were able to reproduce sexually.

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