Which of the following statements is correct regarding the genetic material? (a) Both DNA and RNA are able to mutate, but DNA mutate at a faster rate (b) DNA is not dependent on RNA for the synthesis of proteins (c) For the transmission of genetic information, RNA is better (d) Viruses containing RNA genome and having longer lifespan mutate and evolve faster

Question

Which of the following statements is correct regarding the genetic material? (a) Both DNA and RNA are able to mutate, but DNA mutate at a faster rate (b) DNA is not dependent on RNA for the synthesis of proteins (c) For the transmission of genetic information, RNA is better  Viruses containing RNA genome and having longer lifespan mutate and evolve faster

Answer 1

(c) For the transmission of genetic information, RNA is better. Viruses containing RNA genome and having longer lifespan mutate and evolve faster.

Explanation:

• RNA, particularly in certain viruses, can be more adept at transmitting genetic information due to its ability to mutate rapidly. This rapid mutation rate can contribute to the faster evolution of viruses with RNA genomes.
• While DNA can also mutate, RNA viruses, such as the influenza virus or HIV, are known for their high mutation rates, which can lead to the emergence of new strains and variations.
• Option (a) is incorrect because both DNA and RNA are capable of mutation, but RNA generally mutates at a faster rate than DNA.
• Option (b) is incorrect because DNA does depend on RNA for the synthesis of proteins. In a process called transcription, DNA is transcribed into RNA, which then serves as a template for protein synthesis in a process called translation. Therefore, RNA is essential for the synthesis of proteins from DNA.
• Option (c) correctly highlights the role of RNA in genetic transmission, particularly in the context of viruses with RNA genomes, which tend to mutate and evolve faster.