A critical piece of evidence supporting the RNA world hypothesis is the existence of ribozymes. Which characteristic of ribozymes is MOST significant in this context?
Their sensitivity to RNase degradation
Their single-stranded structure
Their ability to catalyze both self-replication and peptide bond formation
Their presence in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes
Related Questions
Which molecule is hypothesized to have been the primary genetic material in the RNA world?
DNA
RNA
Proteins
Lipids
The “RNA world” hypothesis proposes that RNA preceded DNA and proteins as the primary genetic material. A major challenge to this hypothesis is the relative instability of RNA compared to DNA. Why is RNA less stable?
RNA utilizes uracil instead of thymine.
RNA is typically single-stranded.
The 2'-OH group on the ribose sugar makes RNA susceptible to hydrolysis.
RNA is shorter than DNA.
If the RNA world hypothesis is correct, which of the following would be the MOST likely scenario for the emergence of DNA?
DNA spontaneously arose independent of RNA and eventually outcompeted RNA.
Proteins evolved first and then catalyzed the formation of DNA from RNA.
RNA developed the ability to synthesize deoxyribonucleotides and polymerize them, eventually leading to DNA genomes.
Extraterrestrial DNA was introduced to Earth and replaced RNA.
What crucial role does RNA play in the RNA world hypothesis?
Only genetic information storage
Only catalysis
Both genetic information storage and catalysis
Structural support
Ribozyme was discovered by
Kuhne
Duclaux
Cech
Altmann
Which of the following is NOT a reason why rRNA is the most abundant RNA in animal cells?
It is a structural component of ribosomes.
It is required for protein synthesis.
It carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome.
Multiple copies of rRNA genes exist in the genome.
Which type of RNA is the most abundant in a typical animal cell?
mRNA
tRNA
rRNA
snRNA
Why do RNA viruses, particularly those with short lifespans, tend to evolve more rapidly than DNA viruses?
Lower mutation rate in RNA and longer life span
Higher mutation rate in RNA and shorter life span
Lower mutation rate in DNA and shorter life span
Similar mutation rates in RNA and DNA
Non genetic RNA is of?
Genetic information transfer
Regulatory, catalytic, and structural roles
Protein coding
Energy storage
A scientist isolates RNA from a eukaryotic cell. A significant portion of the isolated RNA is found to be associated with large protein complexes. Which type of RNA is this most likely to be?
mRNA
tRNA
rRNA
snRNA
