Final answer:
Proteinoid microspheres resemble cells because they have selectively permeable membranes, allowing for the maintenance of a distinct internal environment, a critical property in the development of living cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best describes how proteinoid microspheres resemble cells is:
B. Have selectively permeable membranes
Here's why:
A. Contain DNA and/or RNA: While some proteinoid microspheres have been shown to exhibit properties similar to RNA, they do not inherently contain DNA or RNA.
B. Have selectively permeable membranes: Similar to cell membranes, proteinoid microspheres can form semi-permeable barriers that allow certain molecules to pass through while restricting others. This allows them to maintain internal environments different from their surroundings.
C. Build proteins from amino acids: Although proteinoid microspheres are made of amino acids, they do not possess the complex machinery needed for protein synthesis like ribosomes in cells.
D. Add oxygen gas to the atmosphere: This statement is incorrect. Proteinoid microspheres do not have any known role in adding oxygen to the atmosphere.
Therefore, the most accurate statement among the options is that proteinoid microspheres resemble cells because they have selectively permeable membranes.