Question

Why is protein not a genetic material?

Answer 1

Proteins:

1. Proteins are large complex molecules that play many important roles in the body.
2. They are composed of amino acids.
3. They help in the growth and repair of cells, the formation of many enzymes and the regulation of many organs in the body.

Proteins are not considered genetic material because:

1. For any substance to be genetic material, it must be able to replicate.
2. It must be structurally and chemically stable.
3. It must also provide scope for mutation which is a necessary condition for evolution.
4. Proteins can not replicate, although they can cause replication in other entities (prions).
5. Also, proteins can not pass down information from one generation to another i.e they are not a biological vehicle for heredity.