NEET 2026
- Exam
- NEET
- Year
- 2026
- Subject
- Biology
- Chapter
- Chapter
NEET 2026 · Biology · Chapter
According to the accepted principles of molecular biology, which of...
According to the accepted principles of molecular biology, which of the following criteria must be fulfilled by a molecule to act as a suitable genetic material?
(a) It should be able to generate its replica.
(b) It should be chemically and structurally stable.
(c) It should mutate at a very fast rate to ensure rapid evolution.
(d) The presence of a 2'-OH group in its sugar moiety should enhance its structural stability.
(e) It should be able to express itself in the form of Mendelian characters.
Choose the most appropriate option:
(a) It should be able to generate its replica.
(b) It should be chemically and structurally stable.
(c) It should mutate at a very fast rate to ensure rapid evolution.
(d) The presence of a 2'-OH group in its sugar moiety should enhance its structural stability.
(e) It should be able to express itself in the form of Mendelian characters.
Choose the most appropriate option:
Options
- A(a), (b) and (e) only
- B(a), (b), (c) and (e) only
- C(a), (d) and (e) only
- D(b), (c) and (d) only
Correct answer
A. (a), (b) and (e) only
Step-by-step solution
A molecule that can act as a genetic material must fulfill the following criteria:
1. It should be able to generate its replica (Replication). Thus, statement (a) is correct.
2. It should be chemically and structurally stable. Thus, statement (b) is correct.
3. It should provide the scope for slow changes (mutation) that are required for evolution. A very fast rate of mutation is not desirable for a stable genetic material. Thus, statement (c) is incorrect.
4. The 2'-OH group present at every nucleotide in RNA is a reactive group and makes RNA labile and easily degradable. Its presence decreases structural stability rather than enhancing it. Thus, statement (d) is incorrect.
5. It should be able to express itself in the form of Mendelian characters. Thus, statement (e) is correct.
Therefore, only statements (a), (b), and (e) are correct.
Answer: (a), (b) and (e) only
1. It should be able to generate its replica (Replication). Thus, statement (a) is correct.
2. It should be chemically and structurally stable. Thus, statement (b) is correct.
3. It should provide the scope for slow changes (mutation) that are required for evolution. A very fast rate of mutation is not desirable for a stable genetic material. Thus, statement (c) is incorrect.
4. The 2'-OH group present at every nucleotide in RNA is a reactive group and makes RNA labile and easily degradable. Its presence decreases structural stability rather than enhancing it. Thus, statement (d) is incorrect.
5. It should be able to express itself in the form of Mendelian characters. Thus, statement (e) is correct.
Therefore, only statements (a), (b), and (e) are correct.
Answer: (a), (b) and (e) only