Question

Choose the correct answer from the alternatives given :
Which of the following criteria should be fulfilled by a molecule to act as a genetic material?
(i) It should be able to replicate.
(ii) It should be structurally and chemically stable.
(iii) It should be able to undergo slow mutations.
(iv) It should be able to express itself in the form of Mendelian characters.

• A. (i) and (ii)
• B. (ii) and (iii)
• C. (i), (ii) and (iii)
• D. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

Answer 1

The correct option is D (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

As the genetic material needs to be passed on from generation to generation it must be made into copies by the process of self-replication. Also the molecule that is the genetic material should be structurally and chemically stable as it is the information code for the organism to survive and reproduce.Slow or low rate of mutations induce variability in the population that can be sometimes favorable for the survival and sustenance under unfavorable conditions and might also lead to genetic variability./speciation. Mendel proposed the set of genes or characters were present as a pair of dominant or recessive alleles having expression based on their occurrence. The genetic material thus must fulfill all these criteria.

So, the correct option is '(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)'.