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.
Related Questions
A diploid cell undergoes a type of cell division resulting in four haploid cells. This process is known as:
Mitosis
Meiosis
Binary fission
Budding
Ribozymes are an important piece of evidence supporting the RNA world hypothesis. What is the primary function of a ribozyme?
Storing genetic information
Transporting amino acids
Catalyzing biochemical reactions
Forming cell membranes
Ribozyme was discovered by
Kuhne
Duclaux
Cech
Altmann
If a virus has an RNA genome, which characteristic would you MOST likely expect it to exhibit?
Slow evolution
High genomic stability
Long lifespan
Rapid evolution
In the context of the RNA world hypothesis, what is the significance of ribozymes?
They store genetic information.
They are building blocks of proteins.
They demonstrate that RNA can catalyze reactions.
They transport amino acids.
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
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
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
Why is the existence of the ribosome considered further evidence for the RNA world hypothesis?
Ribosomes are primarily composed of proteins.
Ribosomes synthesize DNA.
The catalytic core of the ribosome is made of rRNA.
Ribosomes are found only in eukaryotes.
Which process is essential for maintaining the chromosome number across generations in sexually reproducing organisms?
Mitosis
Meiosis
Binary Fission
Fragmentation
