The Question is from neet-zoology genetics-evolution , and it was created by the author T SAILAJA

Question

The RNA world hypothesis proposes that RNA, not DNA, was the primary genetic material in early life. Which characteristic of RNA makes it a more plausible candidate for this role compared to DNA?

T SAILAJA · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: C
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
 **Primary Concept**: RNA World Hypothesis
 **Related Topics**: RNA structure, DNA structure, catalysis, origins of life
 **Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of nucleic acids (RNA and DNA), their structures and functions.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
  The question asks about the characteristic of RNA that makes it a more plausible candidate than DNA as the primary genetic material in early life, according to the RNA world hypothesis.
  Options: Double-stranded structure, Higher stability, Catalytic activity, Presence of thymine.
**Method & Steps**:
 1. Analyze each option in the context of the RNA world hypothesis.
  Reasoning: The RNA world hypothesis suggests that RNA preceded DNA in early life.  Therefore, we need to identify a property of RNA that would have allowed it to perform the functions of both genetic material (like DNA) and a catalyst (like enzymes).
 2. Evaluate the properties of RNA and DNA.
  Working: 
            * **Double-stranded structure:** DNA is double-stranded, providing stability and accuracy in replication.  RNA is typically single-stranded, which is less stable but allows for more flexible folding.
            * **Higher stability:** DNA is more stable than RNA due to its double-stranded structure and the absence of a 2'-hydroxyl group.  This stability is crucial for long-term genetic information storage, but it might have been a disadvantage in early life where adaptability was more important.
            * **Catalytic activity:**  Some RNA molecules (ribozymes) have catalytic activity. This property is crucial because it means RNA could have both stored genetic information and catalyzed reactions necessary for life's processes, unlike DNA.
            * **Presence of thymine:** Thymine is a base found in DNA, not RNA. RNA uses uracil instead.
 3. Determine the most relevant property.
  Result: The catalytic activity of RNA (ribozymes) makes it a more plausible candidate for the primary genetic material in early life than DNA, which lacks this property.  This capacity for self-replication and catalysis is central to the RNA world hypothesis.
  Verification: The catalytic activity of RNA is a well-established concept in biology and directly supports the RNA world hypothesis.
 ## OPTION ANALYSIS
A :x: Double-stranded structure is a characteristic of DNA, not a key advantage of RNA in the context of the RNA world hypothesis.
B :x: Higher stability is a characteristic of DNA, and less stability in RNA might have been advantageous for early adaptability.
C ✓: Catalytic activity is a key characteristic of RNA (ribozymes) supporting its role as both genetic material and catalyst in early life.
D :x: Presence of thymine is a characteristic of DNA, not RNA.
 ## LEARNING AIDS
 **Common Mistakes**:
  1.Confusing the properties of RNA and DNA: Carefully consider the structural and functional differences between RNA and DNA.
  2.Overlooking the significance of ribozymes: Understand the catalytic role of ribozymes in the RNA world hypothesis.
 **Quick Tips**:
  1.Remember that the RNA world hypothesis emphasizes RNA's ability to act as both a genetic material and a catalyst.
  2.Focus on the unique properties of RNA that distinguish it from DNA.

T SAILAJA · Answer

Double-stranded structure

T SAILAJA · Answer

Higher stability

T SAILAJA · Answer

The correct Option is "Catalytic activity"

T SAILAJA · Answer

Presence of thymine

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