Question

The first genetic material was most likely

• A. A DNA polymer
• B. A DNA oligonucleotide
• C. A protein
• D. An RNA polymer

Answer 1

The correct option is D An RNA polymer

RNA was the first molecule of heredity, so it evolved all the essential methods for storing and expressing genetic information before DNA came into the scene. mRNA had the ability to store the genetic information. tRNA and rRNA have the ability to translate the genetic code into proteins. It was also found that some RNAs can even act as an enzyme to self-edit their genetic code.

Single-stranded RNA is unstable and is easily damaged by enzymes. Whereas DNA evolved as a stable form to pass genetic information with accuracy. Therefore, DNA is now considered as genetic material.

So, the correct option is 'An RNA polymer'.