Question

Is RNA a chromosome?

Answer 1

Chromosomes:

1. Chromosomes are formed from hereditary material called nucleic acid(DNA or RNA).
2. They store hereditary information and transmit them from parents to offspring.
3. They are responsible for controlling various morphological, physiological, and development processes.
4. It is composed of bundles of tightly coiled DNA or RNA.

RNA:

1. RNA stands for ribonucleic acid.
2. It is a part of a chromosome that stores hereditary information.
3. RNA molecules have a very crucial role in the transfer of genetic information from DNA during protein synthesis.
4. It also plays an important part in the control of gene expression.
5. Ribozymes are catalytic RNA that take part in a catalytic reaction.
6. RNA also acts as genetic material for viruses.
7. The majority of RNA present in organisms is non-genetic.
8. They may be coding in nature as in the case of mRNA or non-coding as in the case of tRNA or rRNA.

Conclusion: As RNA forms the basic unit of a chromosome it is considered a chromosome.