In the context of the RNA world hypothesis, the discovery of catalytic RNA molecules (ribozymes) was crucial. Which of the following functions performed by ribozymes is MOST relevant to supporting the hypothesis?
Degrading proteins, demonstrating early enzymatic activity
Catalyzing RNA polymerization, suggesting a mechanism for self-replication
Splicing RNA, indicating a role in gene regulation
Synthesizing amino acids, demonstrating prebiotic metabolic pathways
Related Questions
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.
Which feature of some RNA molecules supports their potential role as early catalysts?
Linear, unfolded structure
Inability to bind to other molecules
Specific three-dimensional structures
Lack of chemical reactivity
The RNA world hypothesis suggests that self-replicating RNA molecules were crucial for the origin of life. What is a major challenge to the idea of self-replicating RNA?
RNA's inherent stability
The simplicity of RNA's structure
The abundance of free nucleotides in early Earth environments
The complexity of RNA replication without enzymatic assistance
In the context of the RNA world hypothesis, the discovery of catalytic RNA molecules (ribozymes) was crucial. Which of the following functions performed by ribozymes is MOST relevant to supporting the hypothesis?
Degrading proteins, demonstrating early enzymatic activity
Catalyzing RNA polymerization, suggesting a mechanism for self-replication
Splicing RNA, indicating a role in gene regulation
Synthesizing amino acids, demonstrating prebiotic metabolic pathways
The RNA world hypothesis proposes that RNA was the primary genetic material in early life. Which of the following properties of RNA supports this hypothesis?
RNA is more stable than DNA.
RNA can act as both a carrier of genetic information and a catalytic enzyme.
RNA is double-stranded, providing redundancy in genetic information.
RNA cannot be degraded by enzymes.
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.
If a cell with 2n chromosomes undergoes mitosis, what will be the chromosome number in the daughter cells?
n
2n
3n
4n
Which of the following contributes to the faster evolution of RNA viruses?
High mutation rate during replication
Presence of a DNA intermediate
Slower replication rate
Complex capsid structure
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
The RNA world hypothesis posits RNA as the primary genetic material before DNA. Which of the following properties of RNA is LEAST supportive of this hypothesis?
RNA's ability to catalyze reactions (ribozymes)
RNA's ability to store genetic information
RNA's susceptibility to alkaline hydrolysis
The presence of RNA in key cellular processes like translation
