Practice free Molecular Basis of Inheritance (Botany) NEET multiple-choice questions online with instant answers and detailed explanations. No login required.
Which nitrogenous base is unique to RNA?
The text mentions: 'Both DNA and RNA contain adenine, guanine and cytosine. The fourth base is thymine in DNA and uracil in RNA.'
Regarding the stability and transmission of genetic information, the text suggests:
The context states: 'Therefore, among the two nucleic acids, the DNA is a better genetic material. ... but DNA being more stable is preferred for storage of genetic information. For the transmission of genetic information, RNA is better.'
A molecule that can act as a genetic material must fulfill certain criteria. Which of the following is NOT listed as a direct criterion in the text?
The criteria listed are: '(i) It should be able to generate its replica (Replication). (ii) It should be stable chemically and structurally. (iii) It should provide the scope for slow changes (mutation) that are required for evolution. (iv) It should be able to express itself in the form of 'Mendelian Characters’.' Direct involvement in protein synthesis as part of its primary structure is not explicitly listed as a criterion for genetic material itself, although genetic material needs to express characters.
RNA evolved as the first genetic material. How did DNA likely evolve from RNA to become more stable?
The text states: 'But, RNA being a catalyst was reactive and hence unstable. Therefore, DNA has evolved from RNA with chemical modifications that make it more stable. DNA being double stranded and having complementary strand further resists changes by evolving a process of repair.'
Why do viruses with an RNA genome and shorter lifespan tend to mutate and evolve faster?
The text explains: 'Both DNA and RNA are able to mutate. In fact, RNA being unstable, mutate at a faster rate. Consequently, viruses having RNA genome and having shorter life span mutate and evolve faster.'
Which of the following statement is true regarding the relationship between DNA and RNA in protein synthesis (translation)?
The text states: 'RNA can directly code for the synthesis of proteins, hence can easily express the characters. DNA, however, is dependent on RNA for synthesis of proteins. The protein synthesising machinery has evolved around RNA.'
What is the structural difference between DNA and RNA mentioned in the context, besides the sugar and base composition?
The text states: 'The structure of DNA is a double strand whereas RNA is a single strand molecule.' This is a key structural difference.
Considering the 'RNA World' hypothesis, which essential life processes are suggested to have evolved around RNA?
The 'RNA World' section mentions: 'There is now enough evidence to suggest that essential life processes (such as metabolism, translation, splicing, etc.), evolved around RNA.'
Why is DNA considered chemically less reactive and structurally more stable compared to RNA?
The text clearly states: 'Further, 2'-OH group present at every nucleotide in RNA is a reactive group and makes RNA labile and easily degradable. ... Therefore, DNA chemically is less reactive and structurally more stable when compared to RNA.'
Nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides. A nucleotide is composed of:
The chemistry context states: 'Nucleic acids are the polymers of nucleotides which in turn consist of a base, a pentose sugar and phosphate moiety.'
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