Some scientists have proposed that the earliest forms of life may have existed i
ID: 208213 • Letter: S
Question
Some scientists have proposed that the earliest forms of life may have existed in an “RNA World” where RNA was both the genetic material and responsible for enzymatic activity. Imagine that you have recreated such a life form. What would demonstrate that RNA, but not protein or DNA, is necessary and sufficient for these functions?
A. The organism lives and replicates despite RNase and DNase treatment, but the organism dies when treated with protease.
B. The organism lives and replicates despite protease and DNase treatment, but the organism dies when treated with RNase.
C. The organism lives and replicates despite protease treatment, but the organism dies when treated with DNase and RNase.
D. The organism lives and replicates despite DNase treatment, but the organism dies when treated with RNase and protease.
Explanation / Answer
B. The organism lives and replicates despite protease and DNase treatment, but the organism dies when treated with RNase.
Since RNA was both the genetic material and responsible for the enzymatic activity, so the application of DNase and protease will not have any adverse effect on the organism. But application RNase will kill the organism as it will target the RNA of the cell.
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