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
Related Questions
Which prebiotic condition would have MOST significantly hindered the formation of stable RNA polymers in the early Earth environment?
An abundance of organic molecules like amino acids and nucleotides
The presence of clay minerals that can catalyze RNA polymerization
High concentrations of metal ions that catalyze RNA hydrolysis
Alternating cycles of wetting and drying
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
Which of the following RNAs should be most abundant in animal cell?
mi-RNA
r-RNA
t-RNA
m-RNA
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
During periods of active protein synthesis, which type of RNA experiences the highest increase in concentration within a cell?
mRNA
tRNA
rRNA
miRNA
Which process is essential for maintaining the chromosome number across generations in sexually reproducing organisms?
Mitosis
Meiosis
Binary Fission
Fragmentation
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
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.
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.
Why is RNA considered a less stable molecule than DNA?
The presence of uracil instead of thymine.
The single-stranded nature of RNA.
The presence of the 2'-OH group in ribose.
The shorter length of RNA molecules.
