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Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
A molecule that can act as a genetic material must fulfill the traits given below, except
BiologyMolecular Basis of InheritanceNEETNEET 2016 (Phase 2)
Options:
  • A It should be unstable structurally and chemically
  • B It should provide the scope for slow changes that are required for evolution
  • C It should be able to express itself in the form of 'Mendelian characters'
  • D It should be able to generate its replica
Solution:
2347 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: It should be unstable structurally and chemically
A molecule that can act as genetic material must fulfill the following criteria:
i) It should chemically and structurally be stable.
ii) It should be able to generate its replica (replication).
iii) It should provide the scope for slow mutation that are required for evolution.
iv) It should be able to express itself in the form of Mendelian characters.

The genetic material should be stable enough not to change with different stages of life cycle, ago or with change in physiology of the organism. DNA being more stable is preferred as genetic material, as 
a) Free 2'OH of RNA makes it more labile and easily degradable. Therefore DNA in comparison is more stable.
b) Presence of thymine (5 - Methyl uracil) at the place of uracil also confers additional stability to DNA.
c) RNA being unstable mutates at a faster rate.

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