Question

Which of the following supports the RNA world hypothesis?
A. RNA has the ability to store genetic information.
B. RNA has the ability to duplicate itself.
C. RNA has the ability to catalyze reactions.
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The RNA world hypothesis was proposed by Carl Woese, Francis Crick and Leslie Orgel in the 1960s. Discovery of ribozymes supports this hypothesis (RNA world hypothesis). Later, the use of DNA and proteins became popular because of the higher chemical stability and took the role of data storage while proteins became more flexible in catalytic reaction through the help of various amino acids and called specialized catalytic molecules.

Complete answer:
Now, consider all the option that we are provided with
Only two chemicals are different in RNA than DNA while the whole structure is the same because one DNA strand and one RNA strand makes a double helical structure. That’s why RNA is a genetic material or we say it stores information like DNA.
RNA has also a property of self-duplication or can be able to duplicate other RNA molecules. These types of molecules can be prepared in the labs. It has been estimated that only the bases can perform this function. It would make an exact copy of their existing molecule.
RNA has a capability to synthesize the simple reactions by which it is able to create building blocks of RNA molecules. It can be artificially formed in the labs.

So, the correct answer is “Option D”.

Note:
RNA reproduces on its own by performing the task of both (DNA and Proteins).
RNA molecules cannot store large amounts of information because through hydrolysis their large molecules can be easily broken down and the aromatic bases absorb UV rays so they are also broken and damaged by background radiation. By this RNA cannot be used for the information storing that’s why DNA is suitable for primitive life.