Given below are two statements:
Statement I: In the RNA world, RNA is considered the first genetic material ev

Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I: In the RNA world, RNA is considered the first genetic material evolved to carry out essential life processes. RNA acts as a genetic material and also as a catalyst for some important biochemical reactions in living systems. Being reactive, RNA is unstable.
Statement II: DNA evolved from RNA and is a more stable genetic material. Its double helical strands being complementary, resist changes by evolving repairing mechanism.

In light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Accepted Answer

According to the textbook:
- Statement I is Correct: There is evidence that RNA was the first genetic material and essential life processes (metabolism, translation, splicing) evolved around it. RNA acted as both a genetic material and a catalyst (ribozymes), making it reactive and unstable .
- Statement II is Correct: DNA evolved from RNA with chemical modifications to make it more stable. The double-stranded nature and complementary strands of DNA further help it resist changes by facilitating a repair mechanism .

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