Which of the following is not true about coacervates?

Options

A. They are protein aggregates
B. They do not have lipid membrane and cannot reproduce
C. The work on coacervates was done by Oparin
D. They are protobionts with polysaccharides, proteins and water.

Answer

To determine which statement about coacervates is not true, we need to analyze the characteristics of coacervates based on scientific understanding.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Coacervates**: Coacervates are colloidal droplets formed from the aggregation of organic molecules, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, in a water medium. They were first hypothesized by Alexander Oparin in the 1920s.

**Hint**: Recall the definition and origin of coacervates to understand their composition.

2. **Characteristics of Coacervates**: Coacervates are non-living entities, but they exhibit some characteristics similar to living organisms. They can absorb substances from their surroundings and can grow in size.

**Hint**: Focus on the distinction between living and non-living characteristics.

3. **Composition of Coacervates**: Coacervates are not merely protein aggregates; they are composed of a mixture of various organic molecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, all surrounded by a film of water.

**Hint**: Remember that coacervates consist of multiple types of organic molecules, not just proteins.

4. **Membrane Structure**: Coacervates do not have a definite membrane like living cells. Instead, they have a loose arrangement of water molecules that can act as a barrier but is not a true membrane.

**Hint**: Consider the structural differences between coacervates and living cells.

5. **Reproduction**: Coacervates cannot reproduce in the way living cells do. They can grow and absorb materials but lack the mechanisms for reproduction.

**Hint**: Think about the processes of reproduction in living organisms versus coacervates.

6. **Identifying the False Statement**: Based on the above points, if one of the options states that coacervates are "only protein aggregates," this would be the incorrect statement, as coacervates consist of a variety of organic molecules, not just proteins.

**Hint**: Look for statements that oversimplify or misrepresent the composition of coacervates.

### Conclusion:
The statement that is not true about coacervates is that they are "only protein aggregates." Coacervates are a collection of various organic molecules, not limited to proteins.