Question

The first genetic material could be:

• A. DNA
• B. carbohydrates
• C. RNA
• D. protein

Answer 1

The correct option is C RNA

Genetic material:

Genetic material refers to the hereditary substance in a cell, which carries information from one generation to the next generation. Hence DNA and RNA act as genetic material whereas proteins and carbohydrates cannot act as genetic material.


RNA :

RNA is ribonucleic acid and it is considered as the first genetic material. It is involved in various biological processes such as metabolism, splicing, translation etc., which shows its importance in the life processes.

RNA acts as a catalyst in certain biochemical reactions and due to the presence of 2’OH group in ribose sugar, it is unstable. For example, RNA exists as genetic material in lower forms like viruses.


DNA:

DNA is thought to be evolved from RNA with better qualities in evolution like stability because RNA is an unstable molecule. Therefore, it cannot be regarded as the first genetic material.


Final answer: d. RNA